Each day in March, we'll look back at a memorable Illini performance in the NCAA tournament, thanks to writers from the News-Gazette and Jim Turpin's audio.

Today: Led by a freshman class that eventually would play for a national title, the Illini got past Western Kentucky in a 2003 NCAA tournament opener in Indianapolis.

Date: March 20, 2003

Headline: Fresh faces busting out in prime time?

INDIANAPOLIS – Under the most intense pressure, with the world outside gone crazy and a feverish opponent attacking like a pack of hungry wolves, three hustling Illini made Thursday's most popular question seem silly:

"Do you still feel like freshmen?"

For your answer, check the box score. In a bitterly fought 65-60 defeat of Western Kentucky in the NCAA's first round, the trio of Dee Brown, Deron Williams and James Augustine combined for 37 points on 14-for-28 shooting, 13 of the team's 15 assists, 16 rebounds and six steals. This does not include their defensive prowess that included Brown's wipeout of Hilltoppers sensation Patrick Sparks, who went 2 for 13 from the field and missed his last nine three-pointers.

In summation: "If our young ones don't play well, we don't win," Illinois coach Bill Self said.

All this in a bruising, banging game that was a 180-degree turnaround from the clean-up-the-paint approach Rich Falk preached to his Big Ten officials throughout the season. On Thursday, the striped trio of Tom Lopes, Jamie Jones and Bob Perone elected to Òlet 'em play," which was fine with Self and athletic director Ron Guenther but caught some of the UI athletes off guard.

"This was a game where the toughest team wins," Augustine said. ÒOn the first couple of plays, guys were getting hacked on both ends and nothing was called. It began to kick in that this would be different and that they were going to try to overpower us with their physical play. It was really hard to score inside.

"I liked it. It helped me stay in the game. In the Big Ten, I fouled out like crazy."

Said sophomore Luther Head: ÒI'm not sure what I'm supposed to say about officiating. But, to be honest, I didn't expect it to be this physical. They pressured us, and we had to adjust. They let a lot of things go that were called during the season."

Playing to strengths

Nor did Self complain.

"It was called the same on both ends, and I much prefer this. As a coach, I didn't have to make so many adjustments," he said.

There were negatives, however. Neither Nick Smith nor Sean Harrington was a factor – both went shotless and scoreless – as Self limited his less-physical players to 13 minutes apiece.

"The pressure was forcing Smith out, and he isn't the best at relieving pressure," Self said. "And that was also true for Sean. The way Western Kentucky was cutting off the passing lanes with their pressure, we needed to penetrate off the dribble, and that isn't Sean's strength."

That's where Head comes in. With Harrington neutralized and sore-ankled Roger Powell struggling, Head filled out the late-game lineup.

And when Illinois made a game-deciding 10-1 run that turned a 54-53 deficit into a 63-55 lead, Head was in the middle of it with his quick-handed defense. After Brian Cook sank two free throws, Head stole the ball and sank two more. It was the first of five turnovers by the Hilltoppers during the crucial five-minute stretch.

Illini fans in the cavernous RCA Dome groaned when Cook fouled out at 2:03, but the Hilltoppers failed on two free throw opportunities at 63-55, and the UI had sufficient cushion for the 65-60 final result.

Next up: Irish

So Illinois emerged from a dogfight to reach a Saturday showdown with Notre Dame, a 70-69 winner against Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Even more important in the long-range perspective is the clear evidence Dynamite Dee has stamped himself as a special take-charge leader and the three youngsters won't break under stressful circumstances.

Augustine, who closed the Big Ten tournament with a double-double against Ohio State, nearly matched it with 10 points and nine rebounds. Williams, who struggled shooting from 15 to 20 feet all season, nailed all three treys. And the full impact of Brown's performance was such that it will be detailed in a separate article in these pages.

Self calls them Òmature beyond their years." But they were tough-minded, in a basketball sense, from the moment they arrived on campus. They have smarts – basketball smarts.

"I don't think there are five better freshmen in the country than Dee," Self said. "And the other two are more than complementary players. They know the game."

Like the man said, Illinois couldn't have won without them. Mere teen-agers, and they're busting out. How's that for something to build around for the next three years?

Other March Memories:

Routing Nevada in 2005 - Link

Manhandling Creighton in 2002 - Link

Arizona ruins Final Four dream in 2001 - Link

Close call in 2005 opener - Link

Austin Peay pulls a shocker in 1987 - LInk

Bill Self's finale game a 2003 loss - Link

Illini look good vs. Louisville in 1989 - Link

Illini end Sweet 16 drought with '01 win in Dayton - Link

Illini quiet Cincinnati in '04, finally beat a higher seed - Link

Empty seats, big win in 2006 tourney opener - Link

Illini stun Arizona to reach 2005 FInal Four - Link

Call goes to Kentucky in 1984 regional final - Link