With a season sweep of the Illini, Penn State substantially boosted its resume for an NCAA invite. Unlike the much maligned 38 to 33 game in Champaign two weeks ago, Illinois maintained a thin thread of control throughout this game. But perhaps foreshadowing trouble in March, the demons that plagued them in recent seasons returned in the game’s final three minutes: missed free throws and poor shooting.
Inked Stained Weber
A recurrent and problematic pattern is the Illini’s inability to score for long stretches in their motion oriented offense. With 5:12 left on the clock, Illinois had a 10 point lead, and Steve Lavin conceded the Lions had blown an opportunity to greatly strengthen their Tournament resume by defeating the Illini twice. Showing true heart, the Lions weren’t listening and steadily chipped away, outscoring the Illini 14 to 3 in the game’s final minutes for the victory.
Despite Weber’s repeated tries to calm his team with various diagrams on his plot board, the Illini could not settle themselves into a comfortable half-court game during this stretch as the Lions defense refused to concede good shots to Illinois. With an inked-stained face, Weber could only look on as his Illini continued to self-destruct.
Mike Davis was fouled with 8 seconds on the clock and had a chance to widen the score to 65 to 62. He missed the first of a one and one badly. Credit DeChellis for a critical timeout just before Davis stepped to the line. After a time out, the Lions placed the ball and their season in the hands of Talor Battle. He delivered, giving Penn State their first lead of the second half and the win.
Role of Seniors
We’ve often cited the role of seniors in the battle for conference wins. Both the Illini and the Nittany Lions have a good group of seniors. The Illini senior Frazier played a very strong game and was instrumental in frustrating Battle all night.
For Penn State, the play of two seniors stood out. First, Cornley was injured in a fight for a rebound late in the second half. While he continued to play, he clearly was hurting. His courage and strength of leadership may have been the catalyst for the Lions late comeback in this game and it is the hallmark of a senior stepping forward to do what is necessary to capture a win. Another senior, Stanley Pringle, had a very strong night leading Penn State with 20 points, including 4 for 4 threes.
Through the play of two seniors and the inspired drive to the hoop by a sophomore, Ed DeChellis and Penn State now find themselves with their NCAA fate firmly within their grasp. Still, heading into the season finale on Saturday in Iowa City, Penn State can afford no let downs.
Original Story:
http://hoopraker.com/2009/03/06/illin...
