Nov. 24--Illinois players mobbed Jalen Coleman-Lands in a huddle of hugs, pats and cheers after his 3-pointer swished through the net at the buzzer. Fans at Prairie Capital Convention Center erupted.
Coach John Groce simply looked relieved.
With that timely shot, Illinois avoided its worst start in 109 years with an 82-79 victory Monday night against Chicago State.
Yet despite the win, the Illini's struggles raise concerns more than they spark celebrations.
"I don't want them to not enjoy a win," Groce said. "I was honest with them after the game. It's a weird deal. We played our tail off at Providence (and lost). So I'm supposed to tell our guys they didn't play well because (a player) missed a dunk? I'm not into that.
"Tonight we make a game-winner, I'm supposed to tell them they're great? I don't like that either. I'm more of a realist."
The reality for Illinois right now is undeniably grim.
Groce said he was encouraged the Illini (2-3) have staged comebacks twice. But Illinois fans aren't overlooking that the rallies were needed against North Dakota State and the Cougars, who lost by 42 to Iowa State and are 0-12 all time against Illinois.
The Illini aren't getting better on defense. A lack of available bodies is still an issue. Malcolm Hill -- who sent a brilliant pass at the end to the wide-open Coleman-Lands in the corner -- said the team lacks a sense of urgency at the start of games.
That was evident against Chicago State (3-2), which hit its first three 3-pointers and built its lead to 14 in the second half. Illinois tied the game four times in the second half but never led after halftime until Coleman-Lands buried the 3.
The Cougars followed the same formula that has distressed the Illini this season. In all four games in Springfield -- where they played their final game Monday as they head to Florida for a tournament this week before returning to the renovated State Farm Center -- opponents have shredded Illinois' perimeter defense.
No team, including Chicago State (11 of 25), has made fewer than 11 3-pointers there. The Cougars hit 51.9 percent of their second-half shots and 45.6 percent for the game.
"We've got to get a lot better on that end of the floor," Groce said. "Our defense has been our (problem). I'll be honest: So far through the first five games, it's the worst of the four years. It's got to get a lot better. Players have to own some of the stuff. "
The Cougars, who have eight newcomers on their roster and dealt with foul trouble for much of the game, were mostly in control throughout, leading for nearly 35 minutes. Elliott Cole (21 points) and Kieran Woods (20) led the way.
"We knew they were struggling and we didn't want them to get well against us," Chicago State coach Tracy Dildy said. "We wanted to do things to keep them uncomfortable and not let them get into their offense. We got all the shots we wanted to get."
After connecting on just 28.1 percent of their first-half shots, the Illini hit 56.5 percent in the second half as Mike Thorne Jr. scored nine of his 12 points after the break. Michael Finke led the Illini with 17 points, including 8 of 9 free throws.
This victory won't endear the Illini any more to their increasingly disenchanted fan base. It's never a good sign when fans are discussing coaching job security and burst NCAA tournament bubbles before Thanksgiving.
"Sometimes the struggle makes you better," Groce said. "We learned some lessons. We keep defending like that, we're going to learn a lot more."
The Illini are still dealing with a limited roster because of injuries to Kendrick Nunn (thumb) and Jaylon Tate (finger), among others.
Groce said forward Leron Black could have played but sat out to get extra rest for his sore right knee, which he had surgery on in October.
sryan@tribpub.com
