Like the Southeast Conference in football, most pundits feel the Big Ten Conference is the best in the land in hoops.  Currently, Big Ten teams occupy a third of the top 18 positions in the AP mens basketball poll.  #11 Illinois launches its Big Ten season on the road tonight at Purdue, which was just 6-6 in pre-conference play.

Illinois sports a sterling 13-1 non conference record, coming off its 2-point win over Auburn at The United Center last weekend.  Thanks to his fine game against Auburn, sophomore guard Tracy Abrams was named Big Ten Player of the Week this week.  Abrams scored a career high 27 points and snagged a career high 8 rebounds against the Tigers from the SEC.  Abrams also drained 13 of 15 free throws, dished five assists and made four steals.

Now comes the conference opener for the Illini, under new head coach John Groce.  The Illini are favored by a point and a half.  Hear the pregame at 7 and the tip off at 7:30p.  Illini hoops are brought to you by Meadows Avenue Tap in East Peoria and Shifters Pub, downtown Peoria, on Peoria's home for classic rock and Illini sports, 95.5, GLO!

Doc Watson