Here we are, backs to the wall. The Illinois Fighting Illini are fighting for their Big Ten Tournament lives, needing to win five games in five days in order to earn that automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. It all starts against the Northwestern Wildcats.

What worked last time? Do it again.

Familiar foes go at it for the second time in two weeks. Here’s what the Illini did well last time.

Make free throws: This likely will be a close game.