Today’s column from CBS Chicago …
(CBS) The Fighting Illini are an imperfect basketball team.
There are concerns about their ball-handling. Suddenly, there are concerns about their three-point shooting. And all season long, there have been concerns about their rebounding.
But by holding their own on the boards against Top 10 foes Ohio State and Minnesota, the Illini showed they can, in fact, rebound. Now, they need to need to show if they can, in fact, rebound.
As in bounce back. Once again.
After the No. 12 Illini were thoroughly thumped 84-67 by No. 8 Minnesota at Assembly Hall on Wednesday night, Illinois coach John Groce said about the Big Ten, “This league’s a monster, it’s a grind. It is what it is, the next one’s coming at you at 1:15 on Saturday.”
That would be this afternoon in Madison when Illinois (14-3, 1-2) squares off with Wisconsin (11-4, 2-0). At the Kohl Center, Badgers are an impressive 178-17 all-time since the joint opened its doors in 1998, including 9-1 this season.
To continue reading, visit CBSChicago.com …