Illini fall to Gonzaga at UC

Overtime was not as nice for the Illini Saturday. 

Coming off a come-from-behind win over Northwestern, the Fighting Illini found themselves on the wrong end of their second overtime affair in as many games.

 Gonzaga's Steven Gray (20 points) and Elias Harris (19 points, 16 rebounds) were too tough for the Fighting Illini, who fell 85-83 in overtime in front of a packed United Center crowd in Chicago. 

"It's a big win considering who we beat and all the traveling we have done lately," Gonzaga head coach Mark Few said. 

The Illini's downfall all season thus far has been their slow starts. Saturday was no different. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 10-0 lead after the first four minutes. Gonzaga dominated much of the first half, but only head a 43-35 advantage at halftime. 

The Illini battled back in the second half, just like the did against Northwestern. A three-pointer made by Dominique Keller with nine seconds to go sent the contest into overtime. 

Keller had a major bounce back game, leading the Illini with 22 points on 10-for-19 shooting. 

The Illini took an early lead in overtime, but fell behind 85-83 when Brandon Paul's last second three-point shot at a win was missed. 

Mike Davis had a slow start, but progressed through the game, posting 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Illini (9-5). 

Mike Tisdale followed up what may have been the best game in his career with a modest four points in 11 minutes. The junior center also fouled out with minutes to go in regulation. 

Bruce Weber said it was one of the toughest defeats in his career. His team trailed by as much as 21, came from behind to take as much as an eight point lead, only the lose the game in overtime. And just when it looked like they were getting back on track. 

Jeff Jordan saw more playing time than he normally would, playing in the house that his father built. Jordan only had two points, but received a standing ovation following the basket he made.

Although Keller and Davis played well, it is going to take more of a team effort for the Illini to contend in the Big Ten. D.J. Richardson and Mike Tisdale need to play more consistent. 

"We're 1-0 in the Big Ten and looking forward to playing the University of Iowa," Weber said. 

The Illini host the Hawkeyes tonight (January 5) at Assembly Hall in Champaign. 

Photo: Illinois guard Brandon Paul (3) looks to pass around Gonzaga's Matt Bouldin (15) during the Bulldogs' 85-83 victory over the Fighting Illini at the United Center Saturday.