CHAMPAIGN — Chris Tamas built his schedule with a specific purpose in mind this season.
The Illinois volleyball coach wanted to game the RPI by constructing the most difficult schedule he could.
The Illini, of course, had to win more than they lost up against that schedule. Attempting to manipulate the RPI is one thing. Actually doing it is another.
Illinois (18-3, 7-3 Big Ten) has managed to do just that this season as it prepares for the second half of the conference schedule that begins with tonight's 7 p.m. match against Maryland (13-9, 4-6) at Huff Hall.