Nov. 27--Illinois coach John Groce is a sucker for a good quote or a meaningful slogan.
This season's team already has a motto.
"We have the motto of being unconditional, whether it's away, what time the game is (or) who we're playing," he said. "That's helped us. That's become part of our culture."
It applies to a game in Sin City, where the Illini (4-0) face Indiana State on Thursday in the Las Vegas Invitational -- their first game away from the State Farm Center. They will then play either Baylor or Memphis on Friday night.
Groce expects "a good old-fashioned, Big Ten-style game" against Indiana State (3-1).
The Sycamores, who boast an experienced roster, are led by guard-forward Khristian Smith (16.5 ppg) and guard Devonte Brown (15.8). Senior center Jake Kitchell, who is 6-foot-10, is coming off a career high in points (11) and rebounds (13) in a victory against Austin Peay.
"It's potentially the most physical of the games we've played to this juncture," Groce said.
The Illini struggled in the first half against Brown on Monday before rallying for an 89-68 victory.
"We were sloppy with some discipline (and) detail things -- plays we normally make where we weren't locked in," Groce said.
Layups: Groce said backup center Austin Colbert needs to play better in Las Vegas. He scored just one point with one rebound and four fouls on Monday. ... Point guard Kendrick Nunn had his best game of the season against Austin Peay as he works his way back from a preseason knee injury. He scored a season-high 12 points. "I think he's getting closer and closer," Groce said. "Right now it's more about conditioning than anything else."
sryan@tribpub.com
Twitter @sryantribune
