Illinois hoops scouting report

Posted February 27, 2011 11:00 pm

Illinois (18-11, 8-8) at Purdue (24-5, 13-3)

When: 6 p.m. at Mackey Arena

TV: ESPN

Radio: WIND 560-AM

The skinny: On the surface, Illinois’ bid for a revelatory victory appears impossible. Not only are the No. 6 Boilermakers the hottest team in the Big Ten, but it’s Senior Night and the chance to celebrate the careers of all-time Purdue greats JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore. Moreover, Purdue overwhelmed Illinois during the second half of their Feb. 13 meeting in Champaign to deliver an 81-70 blow. If that’s not enough, the Illini couldn’t defend Purdue’s perimeter players when they had all of their personnel healthy. Now sophomore guard D.J. Richardson, who’s Illinois’ best match for Purdue PG Lewis Jackson, is questionable with a groin injury. He missed Sunday’s practice in favor of three rehab sessions with trainer Al Martindale. So how does Illinois get the win that clinches its NCAA Tournament bid? “That’s going to be very important to be the aggressor,” said Illini coach Bruce Weber. “To play with confidence. To take games to people … to deal with their energy level, because when they pick it up you have to match that to have any chance.”

— Lindsey Willhite

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