CHAMPAIGN — Selection Sunday had been rather anti-climactic for Illinois in Kevin Hambly’s first six years as coach. The Illini either knew they were in and were almost certain they’d host the first two rounds or, like in 2012, they weren’t going to make the NCAA tournament in the first place.
This Sunday was a little different. Illinois was sure it had a good enough résumé for a tournament bid. But with a 19-12 record and 10-10 mark in the Big Ten and three losses in their last four matches, the Illini were going to be on the road.