The frontcourt received a B- grade as forward Bill Cole scored 5 three-pointers but the rest of the Illini shot poorly from behind the arc. Forward Mike Davis had his third straight double-double but Illinois had few opportunities inside. The backcourt earned a D as without Demetri McCamey's ball-handling, Illinois struggled, even though McCamey had 10 assists in what was otherwise one of his worst games of the year. The bench received a D as Minnesota's reserves outscored Illinois' bench 22-10. Overall, Illinois earned a D as the pressure is on to build their NCAA resume with few games left and they blew a chance to clinch a top-five Big Ten finish or
The frontcourt received a B- grade as forward Bill Cole scored 5 three-pointers but the rest of the Illini shot poorly from behind the arc. Forward Mike Davis had his third straight double-double but Illinois had few opportunities inside. The backcourt earned a D as without Demetri McCamey's ball-handling, Illinois struggled, even though McCamey had 10 assists in what was otherwise one of his worst games of the year. The bench received a D as Minnesota's reserves outscored Illinois' bench 22-10. Overall, Illinois earned a D as the pressure is on to build their NCAA resume with few games left and they blew a chance to clinch a top-five Big Ten finish or
The frontcourt received a B- grade as forward Bill Cole scored 5 three-pointers but the rest of the Illini shot poorly from behind the arc. Forward Mike Davis had his third straight double-double but Illinois had few opportunities inside. The backcourt earned a D as without Demetri McCamey's ball-handling, Illinois struggled, even though McCamey had 10 assists in what was otherwise one of his worst games of the year. The bench received a D as Minnesota's reserves outscored Illinois' bench 22-10. Overall, Illinois earned a D as the pressure is on to build their NCAA resume with few games left and they blew a chance to clinch a top-five Big Ten finish or
shooting from the 3-point line, the rest of the Illini were 4-for-27. Forward Mike Davis compiled his third consecutive double-double. But the Illini had few opportunities inside. Backcourt: D It’s a wonder Big Ten coaches haven’t figured this out. Take the ball out of Demetri McCamey’s hands, and the Illini will struggle. McCamey played his worst game of the year, even with his 10 assists. Bench: D The bench gets shorter and shorter when the games mean more and more. The Illini were outscored 22-10 by the Minnesota reserves. Overall: D The pressure is on Illinois. With few chances left to build an NCAA profile, the Illini blew a chance to clinch a top-five finish in the Big Ten and a bye in the conference tournament. It won’t be easy at Ohio State or at home against Wisconsin. Grades by JOHN SUPINIE