CBB - Illinois @ Indiana (4:30 PM ET – CBS)

After ripping the hearts out of Illinois fans by breaking a verbal commitment to the school


2008-01-14

After ripping the hearts out of Illinois fans by breaking a verbal commitment to the school, Eric Gordon has not disappointed in Hoosiers-land. He has been the difference in Indiana’s ascent to the top as well as Illinois’ fall from grace. Sunday’s meeting between the already-heated rivals will only get hotter as Gordon becomes the center of attention. Tip time is set for 4:30 PM ET on CBS.

Hoosiers’ fans only disappointment may be at season’s end if he chooses to move up to the NBA. On a recent ESPN telecast I heard one analyst say that Gordon could be the number one pick if he opts out of Bloomington. The 6’4” frosh sensation has averaged 24.4 points per game, making 54% from the field and 86.5% from charity stripe. He’s also playing some defense as his 1.6 steals per game will attest to.

Coach Kelvin Sampsons’ team has only lost one game and that was to Xavier a while back when the Musketeers were ranked pretty high. Gordon has some help in senior DJ White a 6’9” power player who’s scoring at 15.5 points per contest to go along with 9.3 boards per game and 2.0 blocks each outing. Another frosh guard Jordan Crawford is scoring 14.6 points per game to give the Hoosier’s three viable options on offense.

The Illini under Bruce Webber have four losses by a combined 24 points to some pretty fair competition like Duke, Maryland , Arizona and Miami (Ohio). Trent Meacham, a walk-on, has been a surprise in the backcourt with a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio. Don’t count on Illinois to make big free throws. They are ranked 314 out of 328 D-I teams in that department. They are making only 58.8% from the stripe as a team. Senior Brian Randle has not shot the ball well and is only averaging 10.8 points per game. Their close scores in games have raised questions about finishing out ball games. Senior Shaun Pruitt a 6’10” forward has been a steadying influence at 13.4 points per game and 8.6 caroms per contest.

Prediction: Indiana 74, Illinois 62
Gordon and White, Indiana’s Mr. Inside – Mr. Outside combo will prove too much for the Illini. Home court edge as well for the Hoosiers and Illinois has not proven they can make their free throws on a consistent basis.

CBB - Illinois @ Indiana (4:30 PM ET – CBS) News

Click here to read latest College Basketball news