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The folowing article was in the Star Tibune. It appears the Jacks hung pretty well with one of the best in the land, thought the final score was less than desirable.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/512/5787375.html
Illinois transforms itself into defensive demon
With many talented offensive players from last year now in the NBA, the Illinois has turned to defense to win..
Jim Paul, Associated Press
Last update: December 16, 2005 at 5:00 PM
CHAMPAIGN, ILL. - Illinois is undefeated after 10 games and back in the Top 10 not because of eye-popping scoring bursts like last year but rather a defense that has swarmed over most of its opponents.
The No. 9 Illini have held the opposition to just 40 percent shooting and 57.6 points per game on average. They head into Sunday's home game against Coppin State forcing about 16 turnovers and averaging nine more rebounds than their opponent each game.
Coach Bruce Weber knew defense and hustle would be important attributes early this season as his players learned new roles after the departure of three starters and two key reserves from last season's 37-2 team. He began preaching in preseason practice.
"He told us ... we were going to have to hang our hats on defense and the offense was going to struggle from time to time," guard Rich McBride said. "He was right. So we've just been trying to compete on defense as hard as we can."
Illinois has won despite shooting only 32 percent in one game and 41 percent in another. The Illini won at North Carolina, came back from a 15-point deficit against Xavier by allowing just 26 second-half points and held Georgetown to a paltry 13 points in the first half.
"Their defense is terrific," Hoyas coach John Thompson III said after the 58-48 Illinois win.
South Dakota State, in the first game of the season, is the only team to score more than 30 points in each half against Illinois, and the Illini have held seven of their 10 opponents to fewer than 60 points. None has scored more than 65. . . .
http://www.startribune.com/stories/512/5787375.html
Illinois transforms itself into defensive demon
With many talented offensive players from last year now in the NBA, the Illinois has turned to defense to win..
Jim Paul, Associated Press
Last update: December 16, 2005 at 5:00 PM
CHAMPAIGN, ILL. - Illinois is undefeated after 10 games and back in the Top 10 not because of eye-popping scoring bursts like last year but rather a defense that has swarmed over most of its opponents.
The No. 9 Illini have held the opposition to just 40 percent shooting and 57.6 points per game on average. They head into Sunday's home game against Coppin State forcing about 16 turnovers and averaging nine more rebounds than their opponent each game.
Coach Bruce Weber knew defense and hustle would be important attributes early this season as his players learned new roles after the departure of three starters and two key reserves from last season's 37-2 team. He began preaching in preseason practice.
"He told us ... we were going to have to hang our hats on defense and the offense was going to struggle from time to time," guard Rich McBride said. "He was right. So we've just been trying to compete on defense as hard as we can."
Illinois has won despite shooting only 32 percent in one game and 41 percent in another. The Illini won at North Carolina, came back from a 15-point deficit against Xavier by allowing just 26 second-half points and held Georgetown to a paltry 13 points in the first half.
"Their defense is terrific," Hoyas coach John Thompson III said after the 58-48 Illinois win.
South Dakota State, in the first game of the season, is the only team to score more than 30 points in each half against Illinois, and the Illini have held seven of their 10 opponents to fewer than 60 points. None has scored more than 65. . . .