Illinois Entering With A Relaxed Approach Tonight Against UConn In Elite Eight

The Illinois Fighting Illin have everything going against them entering today's game against Connecticut in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

UConn is the No. 1 overall seed, spent most of the season atop the national rankings and hasn't lost since December. The one edge the Illini feel they have is they can loose because they are the lower seed, thus less expectations.

"I feel like there's no pressure on us," Illini forward Coleman Hawkins said. "I feel like it's another game. We're going to prepare the same way. We're going to practice the same way. We're going to go about film the same way. It's no pressure for us. I feel confident. I feel comfortable. it feels like we got another game and we're grateful to be here."

That is pretty much the extent of the entire team. They are taking a relaxed approached into tonight. They think all the pressure is on UConn, the defending national champions.

"It's another game," Illini forward Ty Rodgers said. "At the end of the day, we have to be ourselves and come to play, step up to the table and just accept the challenge."

The Illini cruised through the first two rounds against Morehead State and Duquesne before squeaking out a win against Iowa State in the Sweet 16. They are now in position to make their first Final Four since 2005 when they lost to North Carolina in the championship game.

"This ride has been a lot of fun," Illini guard Marcus Domask said. "... When it's time to lock in, we lock in but i think it's been a special ride. We're not ready for it to end yet."