j-dub’s universe

The Illini escape with a win while playing without Jamar Smith and Brian Randle.  You know it’s been a bad game when the coach says “I don’t think we deserved to win”, which is exactly what Weber said after the game.

In a game, dubbed as a “meat grinder” by the commentators, the Illini trailed all game; yet pulled out the victory.  Carter makes his first basket with less than a minute in the game and Fraser makes a tough left handed layup in traffic to seal the deal.  Fraser is tough player and is just a sophomore.  And boy is McBride terrible off the dribble.  I’ve never seen someone so one-dimensional on the Illini in a very long time.  He’s catch and shoot and that’s about it.

Oh well, they pulled off the win.  Their next two games are against ranked foes, and hopefully they’ll bring their A game.  The 28th they play #24 Maryland and on Dec 2nd they play at #15 Arizona.  These are what I’d call “statement games” for the Illini.  Even if Randle and Smith are still out, which I think they will be, the Illini have to show something in these two games.