Iowa and Illinois find themselves chasing conference leaders

They were the co-favorites in the Big Ten race but tenth-ranked Illinois and 15th ranked Iowa matchup tonight in Champaign looking to stay in the title chase. Both teams are 2-2 in league play and Iowa coach Steve Alford says the loser of this game is in a big hole. He says they don’t know how many losses you can stand and still be in the running.Alford says the Illini will be ready to play, and are one up because they haven’t lost a home game yet.Alford says Illinois presents matchup problems for the Hawks, because they can start two 6-11 guys on the perimeter who can shoot the ball along with Frankie Williams inside.Illinois coach Bill Self says both teams have been looking forward to this game for quite some time. He says with two losses each, it is a big game for both teams.Self says both teams felt they would have a better record coming into this game. He says it is surprising that Iowa isn’t 3-1 or 4-0 coming into the game.Self says the Illini will have to be at the top of their game.