Maintenance crews have had to order extra nets this season after Illini games. Illinois has left the nets scorched for most of the season, so when the well went dry the team was puzzled. After a tight win against Iowa the team was not pleased with themselves. For a team that has seemingly gone through entire practices without missing, this was a new experience.

“We put ourselves in that position,” guard Dee Brown said.

Illinois was out-shot by Iowa, 32 percent to 44. Although Illinois got the win they can come away with the their heads up. When everything started going downhill, they mustered up the strength to pull it out. Just in time to get in the gym and get back on track from the field.

Orange Krush With Milk and Cookies

Last year after playing at Assembly Hall Iowa head coach Steve Alford complained to the Big Ten about the Orange Krush’s behavior; or lack-there-of. Orange Krush had came up with chants specifically for guard Pierre Pierce and Alford felt it was uncalled for.

Tonight the Krush changed their approach to handling Iowa. Milking Alford’s complaints for all they were worth, they focused on their own noise and disruptive motion to change the game. In a sloppy game with some touch-fouls the Krush was consistent with its intensity. They even got the chance to verbally escort two Iowa players to the bench after fouling out: Adam Haluska and Erek Hanson. Adding to their night was EA Sports filming an Illinois opening for their NCAA March Madness 2006 video game. The Krush performed one of their free throw cheers to make up for Illinois being slighted from the past few EA Sports classics.

Illini Prepare To Break Streak

Illinois’ next match-up is against Wisconsin at the Kohl Center in Madison. The Badgers have not lost a Big Ten match at home under head coach Bo Ryan. Illinois will try to break a streak of 38 straight home victories.

Quote of the Night

After being asked about Roger Powell Jr.’s off night and 2-15 shooting from the field head coach Bruce Weber responded to Powell Jr.’s 0-of-3 from behind the arc.

“I told him to try and make a lay-up first before he tried to start shooting three’s. He shot the three from in front of our bench and I wanted to jump out and block it.”