Illini hang on, despite only three field goals after half

Defying all probability

By Shannon Ryan Chicago Tribune

Created: Saturday, March 23, 2013 12:59 a.m. CDT

AUSTIN, Texas – Even for a former math teacher like Illinois coach John Groce, this didn’t add up.

The seventh-seeded Illini defied the laws of probability in a momentum-swinging 57-49 victory Friday against
No. 10-seed Colorado in the second round of the NCAA tournament at the Frank Erwin Center.

Despite making only three field goals in the second half, falling victim to a 23-2 Buffaloes run and enduring an 11 minute, 27 second stretch without a field goal, the Illini are advancing in the tournament for just the second time since 2006.

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Illini hang on, despite only three field goals after half

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