Nice contribution: KU senior Jeff Carey had a big bucket and foul shot to give KU a 24-20 lead with 7:09 left in the first half. He had three points and a rebound in six minutes.

“I just tried to provide some energy and do what I could. With Nick and Kirk in foul trouble tonight a lot of guys had to step up,” Carey said. “It definitely feels good to beat Illinois after losing to them last year and more importantly move on.”

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Movin’ on: KU advances to its first Elite Eight since 1996 when KU fell to Syracuse. It’s KU coach Roy Williams’ first No. 1 seeded team to reach the Elite Eight in five tries.

“I told the kids they deserve all the credit,” Williams said. “We are not caught up in the past except when you guys bring it up. Tonight was a team victory. It was not a comfortable feeling as a coach having Nick and Kirk sit over with me as assistant coaches. I’d rather have them in the game.”

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Call him confident Keith Langford: “People questioned our toughness. This should answer everybody’s questions,” Langford said. “This is not Jacque Vaughn, Paul Pierce, great players like that. It’s Keith Langford 2002,” he added with a big grin.

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Aide silent: Kansas assistant Neil Dougherty had no comment on reports he’s been offered the TCU coaching position.

“Nothing like that will be addressed until after the season,” Dougherty said. “I am thinking about stuff like this,” he added, pointing to a happy locker room.

Wyoming coach Steve McClain turned down the Horned Frogs’ offer on Friday.

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KU in mix for Andre: Kansas is back in the running for a prize basketball prospect. Andre Iguodala, a 6-6 guard/forward from Springfield (Ill.) Lanphier has been granted a release from his letter-of-intent to Arkansas. He is no longer interested in UA following the dismissal of coach Nolan Richardson.

Iguodala’s mother, Linda Shanklin, told the Springfield State-Journal Iguodala will likely choose either KU or Arizona. He’s also considering Boston College and Maryland, who were on his original list.

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KU not tough enough?: Madison Capital Times columnist Todd Finkelmeyer may have helped the Jayhawks’ cause by giving KU some pre-game bulletin board fodder. He wrote, “If the referees let ’em play, we’ll pick Illinois to upset Kansas in a bruising battle. The Jayhawks have the talent edge, but Kansas’ Achilles Heel may be its unwillingness to get down and dirty in a physical game. Add in the fact Illinois will enjoy a home court advantage and it won’t be a surprise if Illinois moves to the Elite Eight.”