For Illini fans, the last five minutes of game time could  not have drained fast enough. Playing to advance in the Big Ten tournament, playing to keep themselves from falling to the wrong side of the bubble, the Illini worked their way through a late flurry of absurd Trevon Hughes. Hitting five three balls in the final two minutes, Hughes pulled the Badgers back from the brink and made what looked to be sound beating by the Illini to a acid reflux inducing drama.

There are plenty of people that were key in keeping the Illini in the game during the late push by Wisconsin, but my shout out goes to Jeff Jordan, who had to endure a pair of time outs and then hit the front end of 1 and 1 to keep the Illini in front by three points. Jeff took only eight free throws all season, and to have so much pressure put on him (with his father in the house no less) was probably quite a bit to have to endure. Hats off Jeff, your lone point is as important as any other today.

As stellar play goes though, look no further than Mike Tisdale. He was 8-12 shooting with a pair of threes, all on the way to 21 points and 8 rebounds. His play was incredible today. He did to Wisconsin today what Leuer did to the Illini on Sunday, playing much of the game in serious foul trouble. Mike Tisdale has been taken for granted lately. Demetri McCamey is the straw that stirs the drink, but Mike Tisdale is about 80% of the drink. We all hold our breath when Demetri leaves the game for some reason, but I think we should start getting equally as nervous whenever Tis is sitting too.

Speaking of Demetri, in the record books, I am sure he will want to switch the two games he had against Wisconsin. While Sunday was one of his worst all year, today DMAC  was calm cool and collected. He had a very complete score sheet with 13 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds. Today was a reminder of why this team is successful when Demetri is successful. Great job big guy, you are making some big strides.

Finally I would like to point out the largest reason the Illini won this game today. How does a team that commits 12 more rebounds than its opponent actually end up winning the game? Easy, it holds that team to 28.6% for the game, and a stunning 18% for the first half. In fact before the 5 for 7 shooting in the final 1:44 the Illini had held the Badgers to 13-57 shooting. wow.

So much more to do tonight. I am sure you will see more of me. But for now, enjoy this.