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Sure the Illini beat the last place team in the Big Ten last night, but it was a win the Illini needed terribly. With their 12 losses Penn State certainly wont be helping out in the RPI department much, but after hitting a 3 game losing streak, the Illini will take the wins when they can get them. Here are some quick thoughts on last night's game.

• Bill Cole stepped up for the official Bill Cole night here at HTTO, scoring 12 points off of four 3 pointers. Much more than just the usual effort from the new team captain
• Demetri McCamey had 9 assists, and relatively few points. On nights when everyone is open to take their own shots, DMAC will find them, and that generally means good things are going on. When he doesn't have to carry the entire load himself this team is better.
• Mike Davis was benched tonight in favor of Tyler Griffey. He answered with 11 points and 8 rebounds. I will take these stats every night, provided he can be consistent with it.
• Team leading scorer D.J. Richardson has officially turned the corner on his freshmen year. 20 points on the road is a good sign that he can create his own shot, and that is something the perimeter was sorely missing during his and BP's funk.
• Talor Battle did all he can, and he nearly crushed my dreams last night. His three 3 pointers seemed to come consecutively, and when he gets hot it is a terrifying sight to see. How many more years of eligibility does this kid have? Graduation can't come fast enough.
• Indiana is coming to town on Saturday, and that is another cannot lose game for the Illini, hopefully they can build on this one.