CHAMPAIGN – When the score is tight or a call does not go his way, Illinois coach John Groce turns toward the bench and gives the sign with a slow movement of his hand – palm down as if smoothing out a sheet.

The meaning: Stay level. Don’t panic.

“They know my signal,” he said after a 72-65 victory over Nebraska on Saturday. “Stay right there. We don’t want energy vampires around our organization or team. I thought we did a good job of keeping our heads up and we found our way.”