Tyler Griffey celebrates with teammates after hitting the game-winning shot. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
(CBS) – Illinois’ win over No. 1 Indiana on Thursday night wasn’t easy.
The Fighting Illini played catch up for most of the game, ultimately defeating the Hoosiers on Tyler Griffey’s buzzer-beating layup.
“It was a great environment in there last night,” head coach John Groce told The Mully and Hanley Show. “Obviously, they are a terrific basketball team. We were fortunate to pull it off. I’m so happy for our guys and proud of our seniors. The way those kids battled – our guys played the full 40 minutes all the way to the bell.”
This was Illinois’ first win over a No. 1 team since it beat Wake Forest in 2004.
The Illini won’t have much time to celebrate their big win, though, as they face No. 18 Minnesota on Saturday.
“For me, it’s more about a process, to be honest with you,” Groce said. “We came to build a basketball program. Every day, we swing that hammer and try to crack that rock. Last night, it cracked a little bit. We’re just going to keep swinging that hammer. We understand it’s a daily process.”
