[NU Sports] UGHH

[Tom Maycock]

>
> For the sake of our entire athletic program, I hope Jim
> Phillips isn't as mercurial as this list can sometimes
> get.

+1 to that, and the entire post.

Although the game should have been tight the whole way if the Illini had been making FTs, it was a joy to watch NU play for all but the last few minutes. They played with poise, confidence, energy, focus, and intense effort. Got more than a few breaks, and nailed some big, tough shots.

That's what made the collapse so tough to take. A lot of mental mistakes, but as much as anything, we were probably hurt by the lack of a couple of great athletes capable of breaking down the press with one-on-one moves to the hoop.

It's too bad the place wasn't 100% NU fans, instead of 50-50. That could have made all the difference down the stretch.

Trust me, for many reasons I was as bitterly disappointed by the outcome as anyone. That was tough to take. But damn if it wasn't fun to watch NU play basketball for most of that game.

Tom