Posted: 12/13/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Brad Vest, The Daily Illini Illinois' Brian RandleIllinois' Brian Randle attempts a shot over Ohio State's Greg Oden during the second half of Saturday's game, January 6, 2007. Randle finished the game with 5 points and 5 rebounds, but the Illini lost 44-62.

This time, place no blame on lack of passion or emotion. Instead, fault the shots that refused to fall as Illinois made just 14-of-58 baskets in its 62-44 loss to No.6 Ohio State on Saturday afternoon at Assembly Hall. The defeat marked the third loss in as many tries for the Illini, who sit 0-2 in the Big Ten standings for the first time since 1998-99.

Following the Illini's worst home showing in 31 years, coach Bruce Weber was at a loss for words, and Warren Carter had trouble admitting that Illinois (12-5) failed its toughest stretch of the season (losses at Xavier, at Michigan and against Ohio State (13-2, 0-2). But it was guard Chester Frazier's comment that summed up the mood.

"It's embarrassing; I'm hurt right now," said Frazier, who added five points, eight rebounds and three assists.

The Illini's defensive pressure held through the game, but after being deadlocked at 11 with 10:04 to play in the first half, the Buckeye's outscored the Illini 14-4 in the final 5:25 of the half. Ohio State took a 36-22 lead into the break.

"A lot of shots went in and out in the first half; those drop and we could go on a run" Carter said. "That little spurt they had in the first half, that was the ball game right there when they made that run."

Carter (11 points, eight rebounds) led the Illini in scoring, while Shaun Pruitt (six points, five rebounds) and Brian Randle (five points, five rebounds) also contributed. But, once again, it was the lack of consistent scoring that troubled Weber.

"You've seen Brian Randle play, he's better than that. You've seen Rich (McBride) make shots, he's better than that," Weber said. "Jamar (Smith, who went 1-for-9 from the field) came in the gym like three extra times in the last two days, and he can't make a shot. Not much you can say."

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