[NU Sports] What a first half

[Weinbaum, Willie]

Even when the Cats' shots weren't falling early, they were assertive and contested everything - great hustle and smart play.  Then when the shots started to drop, especially Shurna's, they pushed to a double-digit lead. BAD lapses late cut lead to five @ 36-31.

Man-to-man defense and aggressive rebounding - YES, rebounding - have mostly throttled Illini.  Helluva half to watch.  Intensity has to be sustained.  Can't afford more lapses like those at end of half.