If it`s a good idea to play your best basketball toward the end of the regular season, thereby priming your pump for the tournament tests ahead, Illinois-Chicago had a bad idea Saturday night.
UIC flickered and died an early death that night, dropping a 77-50 humiliation to Southwest Missouri State, a team it had beaten 66-61 just one month ago.
For UIC coach Bob Hallberg, you figure, it`s push closing in fast on shove, worry leading the pack and panic creeping up on the outside.
Right, Bob?
Well, not exactly, said Hallberg.
”That`s the kind of game you don`t lose any sleep over,” said Hallberg. ”All we can say to the kids is if you come unprepared to play that`s what happens.”
Yeah, but your team barely beat lowly Valparaiso last Wednesday. It has lost four of its last six. There are six games to play before the AMCU tournament March 5-7. Four of those are on the road. And next up: Eastern Illinois Tuesday night.
Surely, you`re a little worried?
More Top Picks The Best Chocolate Milk In The World For Smooth Creamy Flavor Youll Love
”Our team is basically geared on defense and hustle,” said Hallberg.
”We`re not a great offensive club and never will be (UIC shot 27 percent in the first half against Southwest Missouri Saturday). We`ve had so much trouble scoring this year I don`t worry about it. I think I know my team and we`re not the the kind of team that`s ever going to blow anybody out. Most of our games are one or two-point ballgames.
”We looked on February as our month to get momentum for the tournament. So far in February we`re 2-1. All we can do about Saturday is forget about it and move on.”