Jan. 06--Even after two days to reflect, the loss to Ohio State looked and felt no better to Illinois. The loss to Michigan in the conference opener wasn't viewed through brighter lenses either.
There's no denying the Illini's 0-2 start in the Big Ten is unsatisfactory.
"The first two games, we played either really, really well during stretches or awful," coach John Groce said Monday on the Big Ten teleconference. The final 16 minutes of the Michigan game, he said, were "maybe about as bad as we've played all season."
Illinois prided itself on defense last season. This season, its turnover rate was one of the best in the country. Both traits were absent during parts of the first two conference games.
Ohio State shot 60 percent in its 77-61 victory Saturday, while Illinois turned the ball over a season-high 20 times. Michigan overcame a 13-point deficit as the Illini defense weakened for a 75-63 overtime victory Dec. 30.
"If you don't take care of the ball and defend, that's not going to work," Groce said.
Groce said 60 percent of the 20 turnovers against Ohio State were unforced. Every player committed at least one, while each starter had at least two. Guards Ahmad Starks and Rayvonte Rice each had three. The Illini had as many turnovers as they had field goals.
The message, Groce said, is simple.
"Man up and take care of the ball," he said. "We were really sloppy. You have to focus and concentrate and take care of the basketball."
The Illini return home Wednesday to face Maryland, their lone appearance at the State Farm Center in their first five Big Ten games. The 12th-ranked Terrapins (14-1, 2-0) are off to a surprisingly strong start.
"I'm impressed," Groce said.
A victory would be more than impressive for Illinois. It could help right the conference season before it slips away.
sryan@tribpub.com
Twitter @sryantribune
