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Article: Illini Look Forward to NIT // Henson Didn't Expect Spot in NCAA Tourney
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- March 11, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1996 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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CHAMPAIGN Lou Henson wasn't expecting an NCAA bid for his
Illini, anyway. And Sunday night, Illinois gladly accepted an NIT
bid as did neighboring Illinois State.
The Big Ten's Illini (18-12) will host Alabama (16-11)
Wednesday at the Assembly Hall while Mount St. Mary's, Md. (21-7)
will visit Illinois State (20-11) of the Missouri Valley.
Illinois will play in the NIT for the third time and first time
since 1982. Illinois State makes its second consecutive appearance
in the NIT. The Redbirds beat Utah State and lost to Washington
State last year.
Henson, 64, who will retire after the postseason, said the
Illini will go to the NIT happily and graciously.
"Occasionally, you'll ...