The jump shot is dead. Long live the putback. The assist is on life support. All hail the steal. The swisheroo? Dull compared to the running, rimming, accidental field goal.
Those might be slight exaggerations, but the 11,084 fans who watched Illinois (6-2) hold off Bradley 53-48 at the United Center on Saturday for its fifth straight victory would be hard-pressed to come to any other conclusions.
Clang, clang, clang went the Illini, shooting 28.6 percent in the first half (6 for 21) and 33.3 percent for the game. Clang, clang, clang went the Braves, making only five of their 21 shots (23.8 percent) in the first half and 13 of 47 (27.7 percent) for the game.
Blame it on the tight rims at the United Center, blame it on the tight defense played by both teams, or blame it on a lot of uptight shooters.
“Lon Kruger is my offensive mentor,” joked Jim Molinari, coach of 3-2 Bradley.
“After this game I think we both deserve that shot,” Kruger replied.
Molinari’s sarcastic dig at his old Kansas State teammate was one of the few shots that hit its mark Saturday.
Some of the damage: On its first 10 possessions, Illinois turned over the ball six times and made 1 of 6 shots. After 8 minutes Bradley led 9-7 but had committed five turnovers. Illini “shooting” guard Sergio McClain was 1 for 8 and didn’t score until he converted a three-point play with 2:53 remaining in the game. McClain scored four points. Bradley guard Rob Dye, who scored 23 points against Illinois last year, was 2 for 9 and scored 10 points, and forwards Jerome Robinson and Milo Kirsh were a combined 3 for 16.
What was it? The building?
“I don’t think it’s an excuse,” Molinari said. “It’s a great building to play in. But when Kansas scores only 45 points here (against Kentucky in the Great Eight) it says something. You almost have to swish it.”
Was it the great defense both clubs pride themselves on playing? Probably. Until Wednesday night’s 74-44 loss to Michigan, Bradley had allowed opponents only 49 points per game. Before Saturday, Illinois was leading the Big Ten in field-goal-percentage defense (.353), was second in three-point field-goal defense (.237) and third in scoring defense (56.3).
Illinois junior forward Cleotis Brown muscled inside for 16 points to lead all scorers. Every one was hard-earned.
“Cleotis is as strong as a bear,” Illinois point guard Cory Bradford said. “We’ve got to take advantage of that more.”
Molinari was impressed with Illinois’ defense.
“This is the best defensive team Lonnie has had since he has been there,” Molinari said. “But, like us, they have to manufacture their points. These early games really reveal your problems, and this game revealed both of ours. If their shooting and ballhandling can come around, they’ll be good.”
Ballhandling? What ballhandling? Bradford, trying to make the transition from shooting guard, had eight times as many turnovers (eight) as assists (one). Bradley had 13 steals, Illinois eight. Illinois, which was averaging 20 turnovers, had 23. The Braves committed 20.
“Cory is still taking one step forward, one step back,” Kruger. “That will probably continue for a while.”
The day’s biggest surprise was the return of freshman forward Damir Krupalija to the Illinois roster. Krupalija had agreed to redshirt, but Kruger is concerned enough about the offense that he asked the 6-foot-8-inch former Rockford Boylan star if he’d rather play than sit. Krupalija, who jumped at the chance, had two points and two rebounds.
