Scouting: Illinois @ Northwestern

Posted February 03, 2011 11:00 pm

By Lindsey Willhite

Illinois (15-7, 5-4) at Northwestern (13-8, 3-7)

When: Noon at Welsh-Ryan Arena

TV: Channel 2

Radio: WGN 720-AM, WIND 560-AM

The skinny: The Wildcats, who regain the services of leading scorer John Shurna (concussion), are desperate for a win over an NCAA Tournament-caliber team. The Illini, who crushed NU 88-63 on Jan. 6 at Assembly Hall, are trying to prove they can beat a decent team on the road. On their last three trips, the Illini have lost on last-minute tip-ins at Indiana and Penn State and taken one on the chin at Wisconsin. More than one Wildcat said Friday that they were embarrassed by their performance at Illinois, while Illini coach Bruce Weber hopes his players realize it's not going to be as easy on NU's floor. The Wildcats nearly knocked off top-ranked Ohio State last Saturday by controlling tempo and limiting the game's possessions. Look for a similar, if not quite as severe, strategy in this one.

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