Illinois Basketball: Top 10 Games Every Illini Fan Wishes to Attend
April 4, 2005; Illinois vs. North Carolina (National Championship)
No one wants to see their team lose a National Championship. But, in this case, I wish I could have attended the 2005 title game.
Illinois had the best team in college basketball history. I, of course, have a little bias on the subject.
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The Illini went into the National Championship game with a record of 37-1. Their only loss came on a heart-breaking three-point shot by Matt Sylvester for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
This game Illinois played against North Carolina was one for the ages. They were both basketball powerhouses at the time.
Illinois would have their entire starting five players see some type of action in the NBA. The Tar Heels could say the same, plus their bench would as well.
Illinois would play their hearts out in this game but fell just short. There were many factors that went into them losing.
North Carolina had a good team, but Illinois was missing Brian Randle, who I think would have put them over the top. James Augustine was also a non-factor as the refs fouled him out early.
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This was one of the best and worst games of my life. I finally had a chance to watch my favorite team play in a National Championship on television, but I wish I could have witnessed it live.