Illinois notches much needed road victory

By Conor O’Brien

An Illini team picked to compete for a Big Ten title early in the season has fallen on tough times of late.

Sophomores DJ Richardson and Brandon Paul have struggled mightily from the field, and senior stand-out Demetri McCamey has lacked the leadership and toughness required to sustain success in this league.

But, Illinois’ fortune changed Thursday night in Minneapolis. Credit highly scrutinized coach Bruce Weber for making the gutsy decision to bench McCamey and senior forward Mike Tisdale to begin the game. Often, these decisions can backfire, and may create an irreparable rift between star player and coach. That didn’t happen Thursday. In fact, Weber’s strategy worked to perfection.

Weber lit a fire that burned all night for McCamey. Whether it was sacrificing his body to save a lose ball or being clunked in the head on his way up to finishing a layup, McCamey was ready to play against the Gophers. He was clearly pressing early in the game, forcing errant passes, but the passion and desire the senior guard exuded from the minute he stepped on the court was apparent.

Richardson scored 12 points and made two important three point shots that helped the Illini stretch their lead late in the game and senior forward Mike Davis continued to progress by delivering 17 points. Paul also poured in 12, going 8-8 from the free throw line as the Illini snapped a four game road losing streak and improved to 16-8, in 6-5 conference.

Minnesota (16-8, 5-7 conference) lost its fourth straight game for the first time since Coach Tubby Smith began his tenure in 2007.

The Gophers boast an extremely athletic team, led by dynamic forward Trevor Mbakwe and three point sharp shooter Blake Hoffarber. The human highlight reel Mbakwe slammed home four thunderous dunks, scored 17 points and snatched a career high 16 rebounds. Guard Chip Armelin nearly made a number of scintillating plays including a spectacular reverse layup, but was ultimately unable to finish at the rim. Center Ralph Sampson III had 17 points. But they lack the intangibles to pull out late game victories.

Both teams will dance in March, but an early exit for Minnesota is a virtual certainty if senior guard Al Nolen doesn’t return soon. Nolen has proven to be an indispensable player as the Gophers continue to be a shell of their former selves since his departure.

I’m not sure if Illinois will enjoy an extended stay in the tournament either. They shot an abysmal 41 percent from the field, but don’t denigrate this victory. It was an important win for the Illini to help eliminate the memory of the horrendous performance they put forward last Sunday in Northwestern.

The question will be can McCamey sustain this energy and intensity. If he can, Illinois has a chance to surprise a lot of people in the next few weeks. If not, they will return to being a slightly above average team destined for a first-round NCAA K.O.