CHAMPAIGN — Illinois men's basketball has racked up the miles in the first full month of the season. Playing in the Maui Invitational — a nearly 8,400-mile round trip — skews those numbers, but the Illini have been away from State Farm Center more than they've played on their home court so far.
The last nine days have meant trips to South Bend, Ind., Lincoln, Neb., and now Chicago for today's 6 p.m. "home" game against No. 19 Ohio State (7-1, 1-0 Big Ten) at the United Center.
"It's great; it's terrific," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said about today's game in the Windy City while lacking 100 percent conviction in those words.