UI grade: F

Jamelle Cornley hauls in a rebound in front of Mike Tisdale. Cornley had five points and seven boards for the Nittany Lions. Tisdale had six points and 10 rebounds. By John Dixon

Basketblog

Illini follow NCAA tournament from afar

This isn't where the Illinois players want to be, playing in the NIT. It was NCAA tournament-or-bust for these guys. Truth is, with their spring break starting today, some of them would rather be on a beach somewhere than preparing for Kent State's visit Monday. That's just the way it is.

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By Paul Klee

Thursday, February 19, 2009 12:47 AM CDT

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To hear what fans had to say during the postgame call-in show, click here.

To hear the postgame locker-room show, click here.

For video highlights of Wednesday's loss, click here.

Player of the Game: Edgar Brummett

He's the time clock operator at the Assembly Hall. He kept the clock running perfectly, and we thank him. This one didn't need to continue an extra second.

Backcourt

Illinois: D-minus

Penn State: D

Chester Frazier's effort (seven points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals) saved this grade. Demetri McCamey gets a pass; the sick guard threw up his lunch at halftime.

Frontcourt

Illinois: D-minus

Penn State: D

Mike Tisdale set a career high for rebounds in a Big Ten game (10), and Mike Davis added nine more. But all the missed bunnies were costly.

Bench

Illinois: D-minus

Penn State: D-minus

Jeff Jordan's step-back jumper was the highlight. Bruce Weber said he regretted not using the bench more, but it gave him little when he did.

Overall

Illinois: F

Penn State: D-minus

The McDonald's All-American rosters were announced Wednesday, and the Big Ten was the only power conference without a committed prospect on the list. This drudgery was an example why.

Comments

RG cannot continue to stay under the radar after this pathetic game if he wants to keep his job.

Posted by LoyalIllini on February 19, 2009 at 6:33 AM | Suggest Removal

What is LoyalIllini referring to here? Firing Ron Guenther or having Ron Guenther fire Coach Weber???? Talk about a knee jerk reaction--- if that is what is being referred to here.....

Jim M.

Posted by guitaraxe1 on February 19, 2009 at 10:26 AM | Suggest Removal

If there was a way to earn a double F, this game might have been it.

Posted by iceicebabytoocold on February 19, 2009 at 11:05 AM | Suggest Removal

Too bad McCamey didn't barf all over LoyalIllini!

Posted by CecilColeman on February 19, 2009 at 6:15 PM | Suggest Removal

If McCamey was that ill (and that ineffective) what was he doing out there?

Posted by CecilColeman on February 19, 2009 at 6:16 PM | Suggest Removal

Considering how bad the starters were playing on offense, why not put in some reserves? I remember years ago When Purdue was behind IL by about 20 points in the 2nd half. Reserves were put in at the 10 min. mark and they pulled out the game. It was a massive cave in by IL. Who knows, maybe our reserves could have supplied the spark we needed last night to win if given the chance.

Posted by Illinigrad on February 19, 2009 at 7:21 PM | Suggest Removal

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