The UIC Flames and Kelsey Barlow's hot hand put quite a scare into the Fighting Illini on Saturday, but Rayvonte Rice and co. proved to be too much. Here are the four main talking points John Groce touched on in his opening regards of the postgame press conference.
- Illinois came to play. They did not come to fight. And this year, they make their money fighting.
- The second half defense pleased Coach Groce, especially Nnanna Egwu's and Jon Ekey's ball screen defense.
- Tracy Abrams, Joe Bertrand and Rayvonte Rice are too proud to lose a game like that. They showed that pride with their second half charge.
- They'll be ready to fight Indiana on Tuesday.