ESPN.com · Jan 29
Men's Power Rankings: Is Illinois a Final Four contender?
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Through the first half of last season, Illinois looked like a legitimate Final Four contender. The Fighting Illini started 12-3, with wins over Wisconsin, Missouri, Oregon and Arkansas. But they would go 5-8 in their next 13 games, proving to be something of a paper tiger. In games against Quad 4 opponents, they had the best defensive rating in the country at CBB Analytics. In Quad 1 games, they were 82nd.
This season feels different, and it's why Illinois is knocking on the door of the top five of this week's Power Rankings.
