Roles reversed as Buckeyes, Illini face off

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

It’s been almost six years now and Matt Sylvester is still occasionally recognized for one flick of the wrist.

On a cold March day, in the final regular-season game of the 2004-05 season, it was the lanky and loose substitute forward who nailed the late 3-pointer that helped Ohio State ruin Illinois’ unbeaten season.

“Yeah, I was Public Enemy No. 1,” he said with a chuckle. “I think only the true sports fans have any harsh feelings about it. But, yeah, I do get that every once in a while: ’You’re the guy who did that to me!”’

Sylvester, now in the financial industry in Columbus, sees the eerie similarities between then and now.

Today, the No. 23 Illini host No. 1 Ohio State. Rest assured that Illinois fans haven’t forgotten what happened.

“It’s a little bit scary especially because when we were fortunate enough to upset Illinois, we were really under the radar — and to be quite honest with you, we just weren’t that good,” Sylvester said.

“But now, it’s different in that Ohio State knows what they’re walking into, not only a really good team in Illinois, but also a tough place to play there in Champaign with the ’Orange Crush’ fans.”

Ohio State’s program was at its nadir back then. Thad Matta was in his first season as coach, taking over in midsummer for Jim O’Brien, who was fired for NCAA violations.

The Buckeyes had only played a few games in early December when athletic director Andy Geiger, hoping to mitigate impending NCAA penalties, announced that the team would not accept any potential postseason tournament bid.

Heading into that March 6 game, on the other hand, the Illini were at an apex. They were 29-0 with a star-studded team featuring guards Deron Williams and Dee Brown. They had a deep bench and a lot of momentum as they traveled to Value City Arena for their final regular-season game.

They only needed a win over downtrodden Ohio State (18-12, 7-8) to become the first team in 29 years to roll through the Big Ten unbeaten.

But then Sylvester — a wise-cracking, quote machine who was the son of an ex-college player — stunned the Illini and the basketball world by pouring in a long 3 with 5.1 seconds left.