March 07--Like a handful of other Big Ten coaches, Illinois coach John Groce does not know where his team sits on the NCAA tournament bubble.
"One thing I do know is I think we're playing really good basketball right now," he said. "Does that guarantee anything? No. Not at all. You've got to do it again. ... You have to bring the right mindset, the right heart, the right spirit."
Heading into Saturday's game at Purdue, Illinois (19-11, 9-8) is left out of ESPN's projected bracket and is one of the last four to earn a bid in CBS Sports' mock bracket.
Does it get any more bubbly than that?
While Illinois has plenty to play for in its final regular-season game, the Boilermakers are likewise still trying to prove themselves.
The Boilermakers (19-11, 11-6) were one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten, but back-to-back losses last week at Ohio State and Michigan State have them in a precarious spot.
Even in that wobbly state, the Boilermakers could still see a scenario that gives them third place in the conference outright.
Such is life in the Big Ten this season.
"Do I think we have a lot of tournament teams in our league that are undervalued? No question," Groce said. "The way Purdue has played, I think they're really good. I would guess they would be definitely in."
Illinois has won two straight home games entering the finale in West Lafayette, Ind. But the Illini have lost their last two road games.
The Illini's shooting has been a struggle throughout the Big Ten season, but they're coming off wins against Nebraska and Northwestern that saw the team shoot better than 42 percent. But Groce is more concerned about receiving defensive toughness and playing with an edge.
Illinois understands there is work to be done.
"It should be a physical game," Groce said. "We anticipate that. It should be championship-type level intensity both teams play with. We're very blessed to be playing for things this time of year. We don't take that for granted."
They can't afford to take it for granted.
sryan@tribpub.com
