The sequel is almost never better than the original. Truth be told, the sequel is usually not even on par with the original. The Illinois Fighting Illini & Purdue Boilermakers played an instant classic three weeks ago, and the rematch initially looked like we’d be watching an encore performance.
The Illini looked very crisp early on and were able to fluster Boilermaker big man Zach Edey, coaxing the 7-foot-4 center into two early fouls. The opening half showed what is so captivating — and frustrating — about Brad Underwood’s teams; a 21-12 Illinois lead turned into a 26-21 Illinois defecit following a 14-0 Purdue run.