Tennessee State Beats Illini 60-58

The Illini hit a new low this season, losing to Tennessee State on Illinois' home court. Tennessee State was, as I predicted, a difficult team to beat, even though they are expected to be in the lower half of the Ohio Valley conference this year.

I think Bruce Weber deserves the heat for this embarrassing defeat:

-Chet Frazier played the entire game and did not shut down the Tennessee State leading scorer, Bruce Price, who had 17 points to lead the Tigers. Frazier had 2 points in the game and took some ridiculous shots. (Bruce Weber, please review the game film and make some changes.)

-The Illini were not ready for the Tiger's zone defense, and struggled to play offense most of the day. Trent Meacham did have a nice day shooting from outside, scoring 24 points the lead the Illini.

-The Illini featured two point guards most of the game, Frazier and McCamey, which reduced any frontcourt advantage you might have expected for the Illini.

-Shaun Pruitt was left in at the end of the game. He was fouled with the game on the line and missed both free throws before being lifted by Weber.

-Down by two points with time for one last play, Weber called timeout and had Mike Tisdale, our freshman center take a long shot from outside to save the game. He missed the shot and the buzzer sounded. Was this the play Weber called?

This kind of home loss is a tournament resume killer. The Illini can look forward to the NIT this year unless they find a way to finish in the top 3 in the Big 10, or win the Big 10 tourney.

At this point, Weber needs to bench Pruitt, Randle and Frazier and let the younger guys get more game experience. And if Rodney Alexander can't get out of the doghouse, he might as well transfer to somewhere he can play basketball. He made a shot going to the hoop today when he was fouled hard, and it was the play of the game for the Illini. He is very talented and athletic, but only played 11 minutes.

Crandall Head was apparently at the game today, and was able to witness how much Illinois needs him at the guard or wing position.