1) The men’s team lost to Michigan State on Senior Day, 74–66, assuring the Illini they can finish no higher than second in the Big 10.
2) Luther Head was cut by the Houston Rockets, ending his lengthy stay with the team and a brief reunion with fellow Illini Brian Cook.
3) Jamar Smith, called maybe “the best shooter I’ve coached” by his new coach at Southern Indiana, is starting to really heat it up for the Screaming Eagles. It’s hard not to wonder, on days when the Illini can’t buy a bucket down the stretch, whether Smith could have boosted our fortunes this season. Sadly, such thoughts clearly weigh heavy on Smith’s mind, too.
At least the Illini women posted a big road win against Minnesota. Another road win next week against Penn State will get the ladies to the 10-win plateau for the season.