The fighting Illini captured the championship title of the first annual Chicago Invitational Challenge on Saturday with a slim victory over the Bradley Braves 75 to 71. The Illini eased through their first two games of the tournament at the Assembly Hall, but were put to the test when they came to the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates to play in the semi-final and championship games.

On Saturday, the Illini were forced to make their second comeback of double digit proportion in two nights, as they trailed Bradley by 11 points with 3:53 left in the first half. Jamar Smith, however made an unexpected appearance scoring 14 points in 17 minutes and provided the team with the jolt they needed.

Shaun Pruitt was elected to the All Tournament Team, and said Smith was more than ready to get in the game.

“He was telling me how he just wanted to play so bad, and he was looking forward to the Bradley game. I knew that it would hurt him a lot if he wasn’t able to play so I’m just happy for him that he got a chance to play.”

This victory puts the Illini at 7-0 on the season and gives them the confidence to move forward and continue to win. MVP of the tournament, Chester Frazier says that this tournament title is a step forward in establishing respect for their team across the nation.

“We’ve played good so far, seven games into the season, but it’s a long season. Who knows what can happen against Maryland and Arizona coming up. I wouldn’t say we deserve respect, but if you wanna give us respect, then give us respect.”

The Big Ten/ACC challenge kicks off this week, and Bruce Weber says this will be a chance for the Big Ten to redeem it self from past years.

“We would like to win and get some bragging rights, but I think a lot of it comes down to match-ups, and winning some close games and whose at home and whose not.”

The Illini look to hold up their end of the bargain tonight as they face off against Maryland at Assembly Hall at 7:30.