The Illini are back in Chicago as they try to right the ship against Auburn, after a tough loss to Missouri last week. They will be at their home away from home, the United Center, a building where they were once virtually invincible and won 18 straight, Illinois has lost 3 in a row and 5 of their last 6.

*Illinois is 32-11 overall at the United Center, dating back to the 1994-95 season.

*DJ Richardson has shot it better in Chicago than he has in St. Louis. He had 19 a year ago and 13 two years ago in the United Center games.

*The current Illinois players have never won in Chicago at the united Center. The last win wa sin December of 2008 when Illinois routed Georgia by 34 points. Since then, they have lost to Gonzaga on overtime, to UIC in the game that was the beginning of the end for Bruce Weber, and last year's 16 point loss to UNLV.

*Brandon Paul is one of 3 players to lead their team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

*Auburn is coming off of a loss at home to Winthrop following a 3 game winning streak. The Tigers have competed and lost to Dayton, DePaul, and Boston College, but their best win is College of Charleston.

*Illinois just got everyone back on campus on the 27th, so this team hasn't had a lot of Auburn game prep or practice heading into this game. You hope that won't be a factor.




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