Illinois-Lewis Exhibition in-game observations:

Live streaming video is much better this week than trying to watch archived video after the game.

*Small lineup not getting nearly enough penetration early. Brock is a nice offensive rebounder though.

*The Semrau-Davis combo is a huge lift. More active defensive presence and they really add a lot of mojo to the motion offense.

*Players seem more decisive this year. I think with there is a greater sense of confidence and purpose. I also like how they seem to react better to Weber's in-game coaching. I really like how when we have a good shot, we take it.

*I'm not sure about the double-team on the perimeter. It's not as bad as last year but it quickly becomes a liability if things break down and the other team gets an unguarded shot.

*I think our rebounding is ok. We get the ones we should get.

*Keller does some odd things. He's not going to be a starter.

*Cold shooting in the first half. Missed 3's and FT's not encouraging.

*We look infinitely better on the fast break this year than last year. It's not 2005 vintage but it actually gets us points instead of turnovers. Hugely encouraging sign.

*One really awful sequence where we don't secure some rebounds and they get a 3.

*Davis should be our starting PF.

*Sudden burst of energy in the second half extends the lead to double digits. I feel like we are doing the right things and if we just execute a little better we will be a solid team.

*Simpson is a good-looking player but they are exploiting him on defense.

*Meacham has to hit the open 3. I will be happy when we can plug in Legion in place of a cold Meacham.

*Disturbing Lewis run as our defense really breaks down.

*Ugly stretch and Davis misses the front end of the one-and-one. I sense that Illinois fans are not going to be happy after this game. Defense has been really weak and Lewis has gotten lots of open shots.

*Frazier and Meacham are absolutely killing us on offense. I want to see how this team responds in a tight game compared to last year.

*McCamey is the right guy to be taking big shots at the end of the game.

*Lewis is not a bad team, so I'm not going to freak out about a 62-56 win. I'm sure others will not be as content.