When the Illini step onto the court in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Northwestern will see it as an opportunity to upset its in state rival and the top team in the country.

For Illinois, it will be a chance for revenge.

In last year’s match up at Northwestern, the Wildcats came from behind to top the Illini 70-60. Then ranked No. 25, Illinois dropped to 1-2 in conference and on the road.

“I think the big thing was that we were a young team, a new team,” said Illinois coach Bruce Weber. “We had to go through some growing pains to get things figured out.”

A year later the Illini are older, wiser and ready for revenge. They got a taste of it when they beat Northwestern 66-56 at Assembly Hall on Feb. 28, 2004. But a victory on the road would be much sweeter.

The Wildcats (8-7, 1-2) return from a road trip during which they fell to Michigan 71-61 and Michigan State 87-58.

Senior forward Vedran Vukusic is back leading the team in scoring, with junior guard T.J. Parker adding significant points.

Northwestern’s biggest player so far has been Duke transfer Mike Thompson, a 6-10 center from Joliet, Ill. Thompson became eligible Dec. 14 and had 12 points against the Wolverines and 16 against the Spartans.

Weber said Thompson’s effective post play is one factor in how the Wildcats make the most of each possession.

“They make you accountable,” Weber said. “Each possession they make you guard for the entire 30-35 seconds.”

Weber is also concerned about how Illinois will perform against Northwestern’s post players, a Wildcat strength that the guard-heavy Illini struggled to overcome in last season’s match up.

“They can’t relax on the defensive end,” Weber said. “Then we go down to the other end and we have to have good ball movement.”

But the Illini have certain advantages Northwestern will have to work around as well. Guard Luther Head, who at this time last season was returning from his second suspension, has jumped out as a key player in Illinois’ headline-making backcourt. Guard Deron Williams, who Weber thought was a little jumpy early in the season, has settled into his game.

But with Northwestern’s atmosphere rivaling Illinois’ and the pressure to win weighing heavily on both teams, Weber said a victory could point to much bigger things down the road.

“It could be one of those games that determines who has a chance to win a championship.”

Randle Recovering

Brian Randle, who sat out the beginning of the season with a broken hand, has returned to practice. Weber said the sophomore forward has been participating in drills but is still sore and showing some weakness in his hand and shoulder.

“He’s a sensitive kid, and it’s good to see a smile back on his face,” Weber said.