CHAMPAIGN - Perhaps as the best team not to make it to the NCAA Tournament, the Illinois Fighting Illini were considered a favorite to at least advance to the NIT semifinals in New York City next week. After wins at Stony Brook and against Kent State, the Illini looked poised to salvage an otherwise disappointing season with an NIT final four appearance.
But arriving at the Assembly Hall Wednesday night were the Dayton Flyers, who lived up to their nickname and aired out a 77-71 victory over the top seeded Illini.
A D.J. Richardson three opened the game for the Illini, but an 8-0 Dayton run immediately followed, and the Illini never saw the lead again.
Dayton opened their first offense possession with a powering dunk, but went run and gun style most of the way. The Flyers hit half their shots from beyond the arc (6-for-12) in the first half, opening up a 38-25 halftime lead.
Illinois had come back from deficits like this all year. But Dayton looked like the more determined team and Illinois seemed to struggle with their up tempo pace.
"They (Dayton) caused us some problems in the first half," Illinois guard Demetri McCamey said. "We dug ourselves a big hole and it is tough to come back when you are down by 15+ points."
McCamey had 13 points and eight rebounds to lead the Illini, who conclude the 2009-2010 campaign with a 21-15 record.
"Dayton did well in transition. You can't give up that many points in transition to a team like that," McCamey said.
The Flyers continued to control the game in the second, but Illinois hung in there and forced the Flyers to make free thrown down the stretch to secure the win. A three-pointer by Bill Cole brought the Illini to within six with a minute and a half remaining and a Mike Davis jumper cut the deficit to five with 29 seconds to go, but Chris Johnson and Paul Williams of Dayton both hit clutch free throws, sealing the Flyers' berth in the semifinals.
"Their style, quickness and athleticism got to us early," Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said. "They were much more on their toes than we were."
Tyler Griffey came off the bench to have a nice game, netting 11 points for Illinois. Griffey will be one of the Illini returners for 2010-2011 that hopes to use Wednesday's loss as motivation.
"It was alearning experience for me this year," Griffey said. "It is great to be apart of the Illini family and this loss should just make us hungrier for next year."
The Illini defeated Kent State Monday evening to advance to the Elite Eight of the NIT. The Illini and Golden Flashes were evened at halftime before Mike Tisdale, Davis and McCamey pulled away from them in the second half.
"All three juniors are going to step it up and put time in the offseason if we are going to be successful," Weber said.
Weber also discussed the possibility of McCamey entering the NBA Draft.
"I hope Demeteri does play at the next level but I hope that will not happen until next year," he said. "He is going to get advice and if he would be a first round pick, we will help him get ready for that."
The Illini should be better next year. Assuming McCamey returns, the team will still have all but one player from this year's team that saw significant minutes.
Photos: Top: Illinois senior Dominique Keller (23) chases after a loose ball during the Illini win over Kent State Monday.
Bottom: Illinois freshman guard D.J. Richardson drives the lane against Dayton.
No comments:
Post a Comment