The way the Illini beat Michigan yesterday made me realize that I had underestimated this team. Without their best defensive player, the team defense of the Illini stepped up to hold Manny Harris to only 9 points, and Sims to 15. Considering that the two combined for 45 against Iowa the day before, that is no small feat. Calvin Brock, Jeff Jordan, and even Demetri McCamey all put forth probably their best defensive efforts of the season. Especially Brock, who replaced Frazier in the starting line up and was brilliant in his defense, never allowing Manny Harris to get comfortable.

Mike Davis needs to be spotlit for his performance as well, because frankly he played out of his mind. He had yet another double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, but also had 2 blocks and 3 steals. It seems that every time we think he has hit a plateau, he jumps up another level. I would say he has more than made up for the missed free throw at the end of the Penn State. He keeps getting better and better, and I have a feeling that he will not be staying all the way to his senior year. He may not have reached his full potential yet, but he getting hot at just the right time.

I hope he stays hot, because todays game does not look any easier. As the Illini look to defeat the Boilermakers for the third time this season, something that is always very difficult. In fact the tables were turned last season, as the Illini had lost both regular season games to Purdue, only to beat them in overtime. The talent level of the Boilermakers is too high to be mandhandled by the same  team three times in a season. Especially since Robbie Hummel will be back playing now. If the Illini play like they did against the Wolverines, I believe that they can beat Purdue. PU however has broken their slump as well, playing exceptionally well against Penn State last night, nearly running them out of the gym in the first half. The game plan against Purdue doesnt change, play very tough defense and be efficient on possessions. I am looking  forward to see if Tisdale can pick up his game tonight against Jajuan Johnson. If our big men get the looks they were getting against Michigan last night, we should have no problem scoring. The trick will be keeping the guards from getting open looks from beyond the arc, a range that the Boilermakers, just like the Wolverines, can be lethal from. If for some reason, Chester is able to play today, it would be gravy, if not, I no longer worry about the team's defense without him. Something that definitely comforts me about next year's team as well.