CHAMPAIGN — Chris Tamas wanted his nonconference schedule to provide as much of an RPI boost and as many quality road wins as possible. Hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament is the goal.
Illinois took the first step toward that in the opening weekend of the season. A Top 25 showdown in the books — and a win in that match — Illinois has four more before it hits Big Ten play. Two more opportunities come this weekend in the Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge in Seattle against No. 21 Colorado and No. 13 Washington.
The Illini (3-0) return to the Pacific Northwest with plenty of good memories after knocking off a top-10 Washington team last season to advance to the Sweet 16.