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Illini getting defensive this season

CHAMPAIGN — It was Brad Underwood's offensive system that drew attention in his one season at Oklahoma State. The Cowboys went from the 151st most efficient offense in the country during Travis Ford's final year to No. 1 with Jawun Evans running the point for Underwood.

While Underwood's defensive scheme is plugged as unique in the Big Ten for its aggressive ball pressure and denial, only one of his teams — his last at Stephen F. Austin — cracked the top 50 in adjusted defensive efficiency. That's the measure of points allowed per 100 defensive possessions adjusted for quality of opposing offense and where and when each game is played, with recent games receiving more weight.