It took a taped demand from former Illini Brian Cook telling the Assembly Hall crowd to “make some noise,” but more than 27 minutes into Thursday’s game, the Illini Nation kicked up the energy – just in time to enliven the team, which had fallen to a 43-40 deficit against Idaho State.

Idaho State added another three to pad its lead, but Chester Frazier and Calvin Brock took matters into their own hands, combining for seven points, the lead, and a reason to get the sold-out stadium on its feet.

“I think it was a big victory for us,” sophomore guard Calvin Brock said after the game. “I think this is a real game about the toughness and maturity of our team to come out and win like this.”

Illinois recovered from there, ultimately winning 71-60 in the team’s last game before the Christmas break. But with lead scorer Warren Carter sidelined by injury, the team had to change its strategy, looking for scoring opportunities from guards Chester Frazier and Jamar Smith.

Smith came off the bench to lead the Illini with 21 points and Frazier added 13 as Illinois improved to 12-2 on the season.

“Their depth made a difference,” Idaho State coach Joe O’Brien said. “They were able to sub and keep their guards fresh.”

Despite jumping to a 7-0 lead at the start, Illinois slumbered through much of the game. Idaho State tied things up at 9-9 before Illinois went on a 15-4 run to regain control of the game. But Idaho State chipped away at the lead, and by halftime the Illini led by just three points.

After not scoring in the first 20 minutes, Fraizer took matters into his own hands in the second half. The point guard sunk a three-pointer with 17:45 left in the game, his first score at home 15 seconds into the Maryland game Nov. 28.

“He has more confidence in his shooting than I do,” Weber said. “He wants to make plays, just sometimes he tries to make the biggest play instead of making the easy pass.”

The Illini now take an eight-day break before facing Xavier in Cincinnati in their final game before starting Big Ten play. Weber hopes players like Carter, Frazier and Brian Randle-who have struggled with injury throughout the season-maintain their rehab while home for the holidays.

“I know it doesn’t look pretty when he’s chasing girls around the Christmas tree, but Chester’s got to keep the boot on,” Weber said. “They’ve got to do their therapy over Christmas break.”

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1. Jamar Smith, 31, puts up a 3- point shot in the first half of the game

against Idaho State at Assembly Hall on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006. Smith

made five 3-point shots, helping Illinois win 71-60.

Media Credit: Aaron Facemire The Daily Illini

2. Brian Randle, 42, makes a shot against Idaho State on Thursday, Dec.

21, 2006, at Assembly Hall.

Media Credit: Aaron Facemire The Daily Illini

3. Shawn Pruitt, left, attempts to block a shot from an Idaho State

player on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at Assembly Hall.

Media Credit: Roxana Ryan The Daily Illini

4. Shawn Pruitt, left, and Chester Frazier, right, prepare to grab a

rebound while an Idaho State player, center, fights to get through on

Thursday, December 21, 2006 at Assembly Hall.

Media Credit: Roxana Ryan The Daily Illini

5. Trent Meacham dribbles the ball on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at

Assembly Hall.

Media Credit: Roxana Ryan The Daily Illini

6. Rich McBride, right, guards an Idaho State player on Thursday,

December 21, 2006 at Assembly Hall.

Media Credit: Roxana Ryan The Daily Illini

7. Chester Frazier, 3, makes a pass in the second half of the game

against Idaho State at Assembly Hall on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006.

Media Credit: Aaron Facemire The Daily Illini

8. Sophomore forward Calvin Brock, right, guards Idaho State’s David

Schroeder, right on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at Assembly Hall.

Media Credit: Roxana Ryan The Daily Illini