They Call Him Mr. Meacham

I can't begin to describe how impressed I was by the Illini's comeback last night. So many great things happened in the last six minutes of the game - Wayne McClain drawing up that trapping press with 5:00 to play comes to mind - that I hesitate to single out one guy for honors.

That said, Trent Meacham really was a monster beast in those last minutes.

If you haven't seen the finish of the Illini's stirring 60-59 victory at Northwestern, please check this out. It's the best way I can imagine to spend 8:21 of your day.

If you can't spare the full 8 plus minutes, allow me to point you to Trent's artistry (these are times on the YouTube video, not the game clock):

1:06: the Illini come out of a time out in Coach McClain's trapping press and Trent steals a pass at the top of the key and lays it in to pull the Illini to 57-47 with 4:53 to play;

2:40: Demetri McCamey flies down the court on a fast break, puts the ball behind his back and then finds Meacham on the perimeter for a long two ... 57-50 with 3:38 to play;

4:25: Northwestern has just hit a bucket (their last of the game) to go up 59-50 with 2:15 to go ... Meacham takes the ball at the top of the key and splits two players to lay it in (after a suspensful bounce on the back of the rim) and pick up a foul ... he sinks the free throw to make the game 59-53 with 2:09 to play;

6:04: the Illini get the ball back on the possession arrow and McCamey dribbles up, spots Trent in the corner, and Meacham catches-and-releases in a split second, firing up a moon ball that drops through the hoop ... Illini down 59-56 with a minute to play;

(Incidentally, Stephen Bardo was calling the game for ESPN and as McCamey passes the ball to Meacham at this point, Bardo starts to say, "This finish for Northwestern has an eerie feeling ... [now Meacham's shot drops through the hoop and Bardo finishes raising his voice] ... like the Purdue game!" Classic.)

6:37: the Illini force another turnover and have the ball down three points ... Tisdale thinks about a three pointer but then gives it up and sets a monster pick for Meacham, who takes the ball at the perimeter and cuts through the defense for a leaning one-hand layup ... Illini down 59-58 with 42.6 seconds to play;

7:11: Meacham guards Northwestern's Michael Thompson as Thompson dribbles around the perimeter ... Thompson finally decides to drive to the basket and Meacham reaches out for a block just as Thompson starts to elevate for a layup ... the ball bounces out of bounds to the Illini;

and finally ...

7:30: with under ten seconds to play, McCamey passes the ball to Meacham who, seeing McCamey curve around him, dishes the ball back to McCamey for the game winning assist and bucket.

Just an incredible job down the stretch.

Spartans Make Comeback, Beat Illini

Well now, that was frustrating. To be leading the #7 team in the country nearly the entire game, on their floor, only to lose out in the end makes for a frustrating, painful afternoon. Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan played a solid second half for the Spartans, and the Tommy Izzo defense locked down in a big way over the last 4:40 or so.

The real story of the game, however, at least from the Illini perspective, was the cold shooting of Demetri McCamey and Trent Meacham. Combined, the two shot 1 for 16, the one being a long three by Trent from the top of the key. A few of Demetri's shots looked like they were going to fall but either rimmed out or flew a tad long. It just happened over and over again. Very annoying to watch.

I do have to hand it to Alex Legion though (not to mention Calvin Brock). Legion had 15 points off the bench and shot the ball with confidence throughout the game. He had a big turnover late when he stepped on the baseline while driving to the basket, but he looks like he is about to break out for a huge game soon.

My bet is it will be Tuesday night against the Buckneyes.

That Indiana Smackdown Was Choice

It kind of got lost in the shuffle here because of the Bolts playoff game, but the Illini quietly destroyed the Hoosiers Saturday afternoon in Champaign. The final score was 76-45. Trent Meacham had 21 points on 7-9 three-point shooting, and 'Nique Keller scored 15 points in 15 minutes off the bench. So choice.

I watched the game at Blondie's on 79th between Amsterdam and Broadway. Sat along the wall across from the bar. Two Hoosier fans - looked like boyfriend and girlfriend - were already sitting at the bar in their red Indiana shirts when I arrived. They already had their coats off and had ordered food and looked ready to settle in for a good basketball game. Then the Illini opened a 22-2 run to start the game.

Needless to say they left before halftime, right after polishing off their double order of wings.

Speaking of Blondie's, I'll be there tonight again for the Illini-Michigan game. My friend Tatty Mareeco, a Michigan fan, will be there as well. The fan of the winning team pays for drinks and appys.

I expect to be opening my wallet.

Illini Win Opener Against Eastern Washington

The Illini played a strong second half last night to pull away from Eastern Washington and win their 2008-2009 season opener. Trent Meacham hit three threes on his way to 18 points and Chet Frazier added 13 points. Those may end up as single game point highs for those two guys all season. (Ouch! So cynical these days are Illini hoop fans!)

The sellout streak at Assembly Hall ended last night, but there is some optimism around the program after last Wednesday's big signing day. Also I get a sense this season's team, in stark contrast to the Shaun Pruitt-Brian Randle led team of the last two years, might have the type of heart and staying power to close games out. That would be nice.

Oh, by the way, the Illini are currently down 23-13 to Ohio St. at the half. But for two Juice turnovers the Illini may be winning this game. Matty Eller has boomed two big field goals to get the game to within 10. Let's see if Juicer can work some magic in the second half.