Illinois' Big Three take backseat to a taller trio

With Powell and Ingram scoring, Augustine was left to rebound and defend explosive Louisville freshman Juan Diego Palacios. Augustine did both expertly, grabbing 11 boards and shutting out Palacios. Illinois outrebounded Louisville 38-26, and Palacios had zero shots -- no field goals, no free throws -- in 21 minutes.

Throw in the four points from 7-2 Nick Smith, and Illinois' frontcourt outscored Louisville's frontcourt 39-21. That's an 18-point advantage. Illinois won by 15. Do the math.

And we're surprised? Any of us? Augustine was the MVP of the Big Ten Tournament, a gazelle who ruined Nevada and All-American Nick Fazekas with 23 points and 11 rebounds in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Powell has been a matchup nightmare for everyone, too strong for power forwards but too explosive for centers.

And Ingram? He's a subtle taste, the glass of wine compared to the rest of Illinois' Jolt Cola. Whether anyone realized it, without Ingram's eight points and two late-game steals last week, Illinois wouldn't have rallied past Arizona in the Chicago Regional title game.

It's starting to make sense, you know that? All season long, Illinois' weakness -- ask anybody -- was the frontcourt. All three Illinois guards made at least one major All-America team. None of Illinois' big men made All-Big Ten.

Compared to its backcourt, the frontcourt is Illinois' weakness. But if the frontcourt is the Illini's weakest link, heaven help whoever tries to yank Illinois' chain Monday night in the championship game.