GU-Illinois pregame

About an hour to tip-off here at Assembly Hall, a dandy circular facility with 16,618 seats (all seat-backs). GU assistant coach Ray Giacoletti has been a popular man, doing radio interviews and greeting folks courtside. He grew up in Peoria, about 90 miles down the road, and his wife, Kim, has family in nearby Bloomington. Giacoletti expects to have 15-20 close friends and family here to watch.

Ex-Zag Jeremy Pargo is also expected attend the game.

Head over to twitter.com/srjimm for in-game updates.