The Illini finally seemed to get back on track – at least defensively – in Tuesday's home win over the Hawkeyes

Illinois led 24-11 midway through the first half, but Iowa scored the next 11 points as the Illini missed eight straight shots. However, the Hawkeyes were held to two points in the final 4:16 of the half as Illinois built its cushion back to seven points.

Illinois may well still be reeling from Saturday’s embarrassment at MSG. The Fighting Illini lost to Duke 110-67. It was worse than the score suggests. It was Ilinois’ third straight loss and dropped them into a tie for seventh in the Big Ten. A loss tonight could target them for a ninth or even a tenth-place finish in the conference.

Illinois wants to snap a three game losing streak, which exiled them from the rankings. And jeopardized its chances of a good NCAA Tournament seed.Heck, some ev