Illinois uses defense to build 10-0 record

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois is undefeated after 10 games and back in the Top 10 not because of eye-popping scoring bursts like last year but rather a defense that has swarmed over most of its opponents.

The No. 9 Illini have held the opposition to just 40 percent shooting and 57.6 points per game on average. They head into Sunday's home game against Coppin State forcing about 16 turnovers and averaging nine more rebounds than their opponent each game.

Coach Bruce Weber knew defense and hustle would be important attributes early this season as his players learned new roles after the departure of three starters and two key reserves from last season's 37-2 team. He began preaching in preseason practice.

"He told us ... we were going to have to hang our hats on defense and the offense was going to struggle from time to time," guard Rich McBride said. "He was right. So we've just been trying to compete on defense as hard as we can."

Illinois has won despite shooting only 32 percent in one game and 41 percent in another. The Illini won at North Carolina, came back from a 15-point deficit against Xavier by allowing just 26 second-half points and held Georgetown to a paltry 13 points in the first half.

"Their defense is terrific," Hoyas coach John Thompson III said after the 58-48 Illinois victory.

South Dakota State, in the first game of the season, is the only team to score more than 30 points in each half against Illinois, and the Illini have held seven of their 10 opponents to fewer than 60 points. None has scored more than 65.

"For a game, we try to hold them under 66," Weber said Thursday. "I think at halftime 30 [points allowed] obviously is a great goal. If you can keep them under 30, obviously you're playing good defense and it gives you a chance to build a nice lead."

Illinois' four-year starters Dee Brown and James Augustine have seen the benefits of guarding tough and when they carry that from the practice court to games, Weber says, their teammates really have no choice but to follow.

"We want to make everything tough for you," Brown said of the team's attitude. "We want to make you do something you're not used to doing."

The game against Xavier in Chicago earlier this month is an example. Illinois struggled mightily in the first half, hitting only nine of 25 shots, and the Illini were down 36-26 at the break.

But they erased that deficit with the help of a blocked shot, three steals and another forced turnover in the first seven minutes after halftime and wound up winning 65-62.