Kansas City, MO – Winning the hard way, is one way to describe Illinois’ first round win in the NCAA tournament. Head Coach John Groce picked up a tournament win in his first try as the leader of the Illini Nation, but it wasn’t easy. Groce is 4 & 2 coaching in the ‘Big Dance.’
Illinois led by 16 points, but had to rally to defeat Colorado 57 to 49. The Fighting Illini made only three baskets in the second half and definitely wouldn’t have received ‘two thumbs up’ from deceased film critic Roger Ebert, an Illinois alum, but they did earn a trip to Sunday’s third round of this year’s national championship tournament.
Illinois received clutch three-point baskets and double figure scoring from Brandon Paul (17) and D.J. Richardson (14). Tracy Abrams contributed 13 points. St. Louisian Tyler Griffey (Lafayette High School) added 5. Now 22 & 12 they will battle Atlantic Coast Conference champion Miami (27-6) on Sunday.
It’s been an erratic season for the Illini, but Groce who took an unlikely Ohio University team to the ‘sweet sixteen’ last season, knows how to win post season games and coax his team through tough stretches like the one in Friday’s game when they allowed Colorado to go on a 21 point run.
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Flooding, lightning strikes, etc. have cost @RacersHoops two home games. Had to play 'neutral site' tonight instead of at home and Wednesday's goes from home to away. Tough break for the Racers, and the whole area has been hit with difficulties. #FatherHarry
Murray State's scheduled home game Wednesday vs. Southern Illinois being moved to Banterra Center in Carbondale. #ValleyHoops
Gigantic game for @BradleyUMBB today in Des Moines. If they have a chance to catch @DrakeBulldogsMB, they have to win today. The Bulldogs can basically win the title today. @BustingBrackets breaks it all down. #FatherHarry https://bit.ly/3EGiVgi
Not rooting for any particular @ValleyHoops, but chaos is always fun. If things break certain ways, after today there could be a six-way tie for fifth place.
Fun to listen to @MLBLarry on the @SIU_Basketball/@BelmontMBB game tonight. Good job brother. #FatherHarry
