2005 Elite Eight

by Kenny Long

The Illini fell short of the program’s first National Championship in ’05, but its victory over the Wildcats in suburban Chicago might be the greatest game in the history of the school. Down 15 with a little more than four minutes to play, Illinois stormed back behind Deron Williams (22 points) and Luther Head (20 points) to force overtime in front of the pro-orange crowd. Hassan Adams’ jumper at the buzzer fell short for Arizona, leaving the Wildcats to wonder what could have been. ― New Arena

Box Score: Sports Reference

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