Illinois vs. Arizona: 20 Years Later (03/26/25)

*** This is an excerpt from The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey by Mike Carpenter ***

March 26, 2005 is a date etched into Illini basketball lore. Top-seeded Illinois took on a familiar foe in #2 seed Arizona at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Mike Carpenter reflects on the greatest comeback in program history, a 15-point deficit erased with just four minutes to play in regulation. Dee Brown's steal-and-score to bring it within three points, Deron Williams' game-tying shot, Luther Head's breakaway layup in overtime, Bill Murray's shocked reaction from the stands, James Augustine at church the next morning . . . relive it all with this excerpt from The 200 Level book.

The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey is available in CU at Gameday Spirit and Jane Addam's Book Shop, or online at the link below:

https://a.co/d/ad3HTRu