For the Fans

Illini get their first win as a ranked team this season

Posted by: Tom Young

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 7:24 AM

#24 Illiniois 67     Ohio State 49   “Illinois Day”

 

Last year, home games were almost as tough to watch as the road games.  The home court wasn’t all too friendly.  I still remember that Tennessee St. loss.  The good news is it will be easier for me to forget it with the way Illinois is protecting the Assembly Hall this year.  Sure, Ohio State didn’t have David Lighty, but this is still a team that was ranked farily high early in the year after starting 9-0.   You don’t get ranked high based on one player.  Ohio State is a good team, and Illinois made it look easy.

 

One thing I like about this team is the balance in scoring.  Eight times this year the Illini have had four players with double figures in scoring.  Sure, it’s fun to watch a guy who averages 25 points a game, but when that guy is off, who steps up?   In Illinois’ case, when one guy is off, there are two to three others that can pick up the slack.  Last night’s off man:  Trent Meacham.  Meacham totaled zero points, missing all five of his shots.    Meacham has had a good season, and at times he won’t be nailing every 3-pointer he takes.  On his off night, Frazier and Keller picked up their scoring.   Chester Frazier, who obviously is more of a defender and a distributor, hit double digits with 10 points.  Dominique Keller off the bench got 12 points, and to me it looks like he is starting to play with some more confidence.  It was also nice to see Keller grab six rebounds.  If he can pick up his production in this category, he is that much more effective off the bench. 

 

Also, it was another nice passing game from Demetri McCamey.  This is a great sign because next year he will more than likely be a point guard.  The guards we got coming in next year (Bertrand, Paul, Richardson) I feel will be used in the shooting guard role.  If McCamey can continue to improve at the point, the next couple years are looking pretty good as well.

 

I loved to see Mike Tisdale get to the free throw line.  This man is having a solid season, and last night was no exception.  Tisdale racked up 15 points in 19 minutes, and made all five of his free throws.  It’s awesome having a big man who has the ability to shoot the ball.  There’s nothing worse than getting fouled on a layup attempt, and then missing both of your free throws (Shaun Pruitt).  If Tisdale is this good right now, imagine how good he can be when he adds even more weight and gains more experience.  Things are looking good for him.

 

Wisconsin is up next at the Assembly Hall, and they’re going to fight.  Bo Ryan is a great coach, and he always finds a way to get the most out of his players.  Bruce Weber does the same, as we are seeing this year.  Should be a good game Saturday.

 

I-L-L…

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