The task of playing four games in seven days isn’t going to be easy for the Illinois men’s basketball team. Senior guard Rich McBride is still serving a six-game suspension, and junior forward Brian Randle is still feeling the effects of a pulled groin nearly two weeks ago. Combine that with the fact that Illinois’ team is inexperienced, it knows that this week is going to be tough.

The first game in its four-game stand begins tonight at 7 against Austin-Peay at Assembly Hall.

“We have to be ready to do it,” said senior forward Warren Carter, who has led the Illini in scoring in the last two exhibition games. “It is a lot; it’s probably the most we’ve played in such a short amount of time, but we’ve been knowing it’s going to come ever since the schedule came. So we’re prepared for it.”

Although Illinois is still learning how to gel together as a team, Randle says the Illini have one thing working in their favor.

“If nothing else, these guys play hard – that can really get you through a game and wear other teams down,” Randle said. “We’ll have to see how those four or five games go in a row, but I think we’re up to the challenge; we just have to keep guys motivated.”

Today’s game between the Illinois and Austin Peay is the third meeting between the two teams. The Governors, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, features a team of no seniors, but six juniors. And while the Illini say they don’t know much about Austin Peay, they say it will still be a competitive game.

“I know they’re going to play hard,” Carter said. “Any team that comes against us is definitely going to play hard.”

The Governors return only one player who started every game last year team – junior point guard Derek Wright – and will be looking for its 1,000th win all-time.

“They’re an athletic team, they get up and down the court very well,” Randle said of Austin Peay. “I think the biggest thing for us is going to be transition stuff, getting back. Defensively, I’m not really sure if they’re going to play a zone or man-to-man, but they’re a tough team, and they hold you accountable. Their athleticism and speed makes you really think.”

In last Wednesday’s exhibition game against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, the Illini improved on a number of key elements. Following the game against SIU-E, head coach Bruce Weber only pointed to limiting the Illini’s number of turnovers and capitalizing more on free-throw attempts. Illinois committed 19 turnovers and shot just 56.3 percent on 5-of-9 shooting from behind the free throw line.

During the first two games, the Illini have heavily relied on Carter and sophomore point guard Chester Frazier for much of the offensive load. But Carter knows that for the Illini to be successful this season, he will have to continue to be a presence on the floor.

“I just let the game come to me. I’ve worked hard during the summer,” Carter said. “If I keep getting open shots, I’m going to keep taking them. I’m just trying to be a little more aggressive this year.”

Added Randle: “He’s stepped into some big shoes, and filled them well.”

For an inexperienced Illini team, these upcoming five games will afford them the chance to get everyone on the same page and get younger players more comfortable with their roles.

“Last game we did a lot better job on defense, jumping to the ball, rotation-wise when guys get beat. It was a big improvement from the first game,” Randle said. “The first game was a little rough, kind of ugly. We’re on a positive track; we just have to keep moving.”