No. 14 Illinois is a late entry into Big Ten play after a tough nonconference schedule but will take those experiences into the conference opener at Ohio State on Tuesday in Columbus.

The Illini are one of three teams, along with Penn State and Nebraska, not to have played at least one Big Ten game. Illinois has been busy against high-quality opponents, the latest a 75-62 victory over No. 13 Tennessee on Saturday in Nashville to give Illinois (7-2) a 2-2 record vs. ranked nonconference opponents.

"I still believe this team can be very, very good and accomplish a lot," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. "But it's been frustrating due to the lack of practice. It's almost like an NBA preseason where you're playing into shape and playing guys into shape.

"That's hard when you're playing UC

See Full Page