CHAMPAIGN -- Does Illinois have any lives left? That's the question after Wisconsin defeated the Illini 72-57 at Assembly Hall.
After Sunday's defeat, the Illini have lost five of their last six games and will need to do some damage in the Big Ten tournament if they want to gain an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament. If Michigan State defeats Michigan later this afternoon, the Illini will face Wisconsin again on Friday.
Illinois managed to cut a 54-38 Wisconsin lead to 55-50, and had the ball with a chance to cut it even more.
Photo: Illinois' Mike Tisdale grabs a rebound over the top of Wisconsin's Keaton Nankivil and Jon Leuer. (AP / John Dixon)
But Illinois (18-13, 10-8) came up empty on its next two possessions and an intentional foul was called on Demetri McCamey. Wisconsin was able to extend its lead to 59-50 and the Illini never surged again.
Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor each had 20 for Wisconsin while Trevon Hughes added 14. Illinois got most of its points in the second half from the free throw line (18-for-20), but shot just 5-for-20 from the field to finish the game 16-for-45.
Register with Chicago Tribune and receive Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks newsletters for free. 
When sports news breaks, be the first to know. (To get alerts on a mobile device, text CHISPORTS to 31286.). 
"People who know realize that Weber is doing an excellent job with the talent he has now."
The talent that he recruited! He is in his 6th year now and he can't blame other Big 10 coaches, the AAU circuit, etc. on his recruiting failures. Recruiting is the most important aspect of college basketball and Weber has failed miserably for the first five years.
Everybody needs to just calm down a little. Illinois has overachieved this year. We have no senior starters and are relying heavily on two three freshmen. People who know realize that Weber is doing an excellent job with the talent he has now. Other that Minnesota at home Illinois has not lost to a team with the same or less talent than they have. And, they beat two teams, Wisconsin and MSU, who have a lot more talent. If we win two in the tourney we go dancing. If not, we'll do well in the NIT. Stay calm, our best basketball is ahead of us...and, to fire Weber would be idiotic since we'd likely lose all that great talent coming in the next two years. Has anyone noticed that we're back in the scene in Chicago? That would all go away if Weber was fired. So, calm down, people. You'll be happy you did in two years when we're in the elite eight (minimum).
that was a good beat down. Down right ILL.
dissapointing too say the least! better off not going too the tourney,they would lose in the first round anyway. maybe the NIT might be able too win a couple!
The Badgers were just a bit too tough inside for Illinois, but you guys still have a decent team. Good luck (besides Friday's game) the rest of the way.
Weber, Zook all make $1,000,000+ per year of Illinois taxpayer dollars to put these pathetic sports teams on the field/court. They, and their boss, AD Ron Guenther, who makes another $650,000+ of the taxpayer $$$ per year, should all be fired ASAP.
P A T H E T I C! That sums up Illini performance. Thank God this Mike & Mike show, Tisdale and Davis uber soft "big men" will soon be at an end at Illinois. Can't wait for them to be gone! Hopefully starting next year, heart, desire, urgency, toughness, physicality, athletic ability will be back with the new crop of players coming in. Illini nation has had to suffer for 4 years of through Pruitt, Tisdale, Davis and McCamey mediocrity and lacksadaisical effort.
I'll agree with that. I feel like a rally is bubbling beneath the team and its really going to show on Friday vs. Wisconsin. If McCamey gets back into rythm, we stop shooting the j and drive to the basket, and for God's sake REBOUND and HUSTLE, we should have a fighting chance.
LIke it or not, Weber is solid in his job security. I can't say the same for Cole. At 6'9" he is a terrible defender and rebounder. He has slow feet and zero instincts. He's a shorter Tisdale. Griffey needs to play more; Keller needs to sit. McCamey can forget about getting drafted and listen to the coach some more. I don't know why DJ spent most of the game on the bench. Because of the Big Ten's pull in the NCAA they are going to get five teams, and they may let in a mediocre Illinois team that doesn't deserve to go. At the start of the season, almost every analyst said it was a wait until next year situation for IL. Howard is now bringing in solid talent, year after year. Relax.
I-N-I!!!!!!!!!!!! Get back at 'em boys and kick Wisconsin's sorry asses one more time on Friday! You all know whats coming now that they have Leuer again! GO ILLINI!!!!
I-N-I!!!!!!!!!!!! Get back at 'em boys and kick Wisconsin's sorry asses one more time on Friday! You all know whats coming now that they have Leuer again! GO ILLINI!!!!
I-L-L!
Bring on the Weber lovers. Who do you want to blame it on today?? The refs or some stupid line that the "Illini are too young?" Or maybe we can get an awesome Cubs' fan "wait til next year" because Rivals.com likes some recruits. Wake up people, he's worthless.
GET RID OF HIM NOW. NCAA COMMITTEE DO NOT PUT THIS TEAM IN THE TOURNEY-- THEY SUCK.