CHICAGO — Ohio State looked like the clubhouse leader to lose the foul battle Wednesday night. Illinois quickly caught up and ultimately passed the Buckeyes to reclaim that particular title with 26 fouls that tied the number the Illini committed last week at Notre Dame but still fell one short of their season high against Gonzaga in the Maui Invitational.
"I thought there were great officials on the court — the best we have — and I loved every one of them and every call that they made," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said with a straight face. "We'll have them next time, and they'll be great again.