If Dominique Keller, the pride of Port Arthur, Tex., plays a big role in the South Padre Invitational, it wouldn't be the first time Illinois was rescued by a Texan's heroics in his home state. In 2005, Dallas native Warren Carter dropped in a short jumper in the paint with 1.2 seconds left, lifting the Illini, who had trailed most of the game, past Wichita State 55-54 in their Friday game. They went on to beat Rutgers the next day for the tournament championship.
Illinois plays Kent State today, and will meet Texas A&M or Tulsa tomorrow.
Herb Gould started with the Sun-Times in 1977 and has covered several teams, including the Blackhawks. He is a long-time beat reporter covering the Fighting Illini and the Big Ten for the Sun-Times.
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