Northwestern's McCamey looking more like a leader

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - As Northwestern learned on Thursday night, Demetri McCamey isn't afraid to take game-winning shots.

But McCamey's track record on last-second heroics, like the sophomore guard's resume in so many areas during his time at Illinois, shows mixed results.

For example, when Illinois played at Indiana's Assembly Hall last season, McCamey broke off the intended play (a jumper for Trent Meacham) and had his game-tying reverse layup swatted in the waning seconds.

"He avoided contact again and did a 'double-duper-duper' or something," Illinois coach Bruce Weber said after that 62-58 loss. "I have no idea what the heck it was."

That quote reminds that Weber and McCamey frequently have been at odds during their time together, but this week has provided more proof McCamey continues to learn his lessons.

While other Illini apparently goofed their way through Tuesday's practice that was Illinois' most important leading up to the Northwestern game, McCamey went in the other direction.

"Ironically, he said to us on Tuesday, 'Those guys aren't ready to play today, are they, Coach?' " Weber said. "That's a mouthful for him to say. If you've been around practice, he's about the last one to talk about other guys' practice habits.

"But he stayed with me after shooting practice (Thursday). He gave us some good energy at the start of the second half. He wanted to win."

Now McCamey, who poured in a game-high 21 points at NU, must try to bring the same effort in consecutive games.

McCamey delivered 25 points and 7 assists against Wisconsin on Jan. 24 - his most recent 20-point night - but followed that with 6 points and 2 assists at Minnesota.

Chances are good McCamey and his teammates will struggle for at least a portion of today's game.

Though Indiana (6-17, 1-10) has dropped 13 of its last 14 games, the Hoosiers have owned many of their home games until the waning moments.

They led Lipscomb by 21 points before losing by 5. Led Michigan by 20 before losing in overtime. Led Ohio State by 12 before losing by 12.

"I think you've got guys moving forward all the time," Indiana coach Tom Crean told reporters on Friday. "I think I said this the other day, but that 'freshman wall' stuff, that is real stuff.

"These guys are playing at a harder pace and a faster pace and it is non-stop. You just have to learn to get used to it."