5.1 Seconds from Perfection

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 7, 2005 6:05PM

SO CLOSE! Illinois started the season 29-0 and was looking to close out a perfect regular season, but came up just short yesterday

With a 3-pointer by Matt Sylvester with 5.1 seconds left in the game, Ohio St. took a 65-64 lead that ended up being the difference. The Buckeyes overcame a 12-point defecit midway through the second half and took their only lead of the game with Sylvester's trey.

While the Illini can no longer hope to become the first team since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers to go undefeated. Like others, they came close but ultimately came up short.

In the scheme of things, though, it really doesn't mean much for the Illini. At 29-1, they remain the top team in the nation and should still receive a #1 seeding in the NCAA tournament no matter what happens in this week's Big Ten Tournament. With a first round bye, Illinois will play on Friday against the winner of Thursday's Northwestern - Michigan matchup.

Photo via Yahoo! News