The Indianapolis Star | IU 52 Illinois 49
Indiana guard Jeremiah Rivers drives past Illinois guard Joseph Bertrand on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. The Hoosiers and the Illini fought for the lead throughout the game with the Hoosiers finally conquering, 52-49. (Jennifer Cecil / For the Star)


Left: Indiana Hoosiers guard/forward Will Sheehey (10) and Illinois Fighting Illini forward Mike Davis (24) battle for a rebound Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. At right, Indiana Hoosiers forward Christian Watford (2) shoots over Illinois Fighting Illini guard/forward Jereme Richmond (22) on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. (Jennifer Cecil / For the Star)


Left: An excited Indiana Hoosiers fan helps pump up the crowd against the Illinois Fighting Illini Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. At right, Indiana Hoosiers guard Jeremiah Rivers (5) passes to a teammate past Illinois Fighting Illini guard Demetri McCamey (32) on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. (Jennifer Cecil / For the Star)


Indiana Hoosiers fans cheer as Illinois Fighting Illini take a free throw shot Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. (Jennifer Cecil / For the Star)


Left: Indiana Hoosiers forward Christian Watford (2) drives past Illinois Fighting Illini defense Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. At right, Indiana Hoosiers guard Matt Roth (30) cheers after a three point shot near the end of the game to send the Indiana Hoosiers past the Illinois Fighting Illini on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. (Jennifer Cecil / For the Star)


Hoosiers coach Tom Crean is interviewed after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. (Jennifer Cecil / For the Star)


Indiana Hoosiers fans fill the court after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini 52-49 on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. (Jennifer Cecil / For the Star)

What a battle. The the game was a constant nail biter and the fans were crazy. The noise level was ridiculous, but what else did I expect from the Hoosiers? Basketball is legend around here and Thursday night's game didn't disappoint. Thanks to all the awesome new photogs I met and for sharing floor tips and code replacement. You guys rock.