Don't expect upset this time
On the anniversary of last year's stunning 70-60 upset of Illinois at Welsh-Ryan, the Cats prepare to face the Illini again at home. This time, however, Illinois is the undisputed No. 1 team in the country with an unblemished 17-0 record.
In other words, don't expect an upset.
Illinois guard Dee Brown poo-poohed the idea of an in-state rivalry between the Cats and the Illini. As ridiculous as it sounded, his quote didn't have to be this harsh.
"There really isn't a rivalry when you think about it," Illinois guard Dee Brown told the Tribune. "They're a Big Ten team competing with us for the Big Ten championship."
Northwestern's only chance will be to slow the tempo and keep the game in 50s. I wouldn't expect it and this game could get ugly early.
Related Links:
NU will need home-run power vs. Illini -- By Brian Hanley, Chicago Sun-Times
NU in no rush to test Illinois -- By Marlen Garcia and John Mullin, Chicago Tribune (subscription)