The Illini talked all season about needing a win they could build upon. It is sometimes amazing how a struggling team can win one game and suddenly go on a win streak.

Illinois thought it had that win on more than one occasion but could never build anything. Who knows why they now have a four-game win streak, the longest of the season? But they have finally started to build on their success.

“I think we’ve all changed,’’ guard Trent Meacham said. “We’re all starting to get it a little more, believing and coming together.’’

It is in large part a tribute to coach Bruce Weber, who some believed had lost this group during the disastrous Big Ten season. This wouldn’t be happening if players had jumped ship.

He handled some attitude problems and the players have responded. Illinois wouldn’t be in this position without major contributions in recent days from Shaun Pruitt and Demetri McCamey, both of whom were punished in recent months for unacceptable behavior.

Weber also has made adjustments that have worked and he is sticking with them. He has played his starters longer minutes the last three days despite knowing they have to be able to win four games in four days.

He has used a select group of reserves, relying more on Mike Davis and Jeff Jordan while apparently shelving Rodney Alexander.

And although the Illini aren’t where he thinks they should be, Weber seems to have a certain feeling of accomplishment for still being alive.

“We didn’t take care of business the way we should all season,’’ he said. “But we kept together. We had some very frustrating losses and could have given up to be honest, but we didn’t.’’

Brian Randle was considered lost for the season a few weeks back. But his shoulder injury wasn’t as bad as expected, and he’s made the most of his last chance by averaging 12.3 points and five rebounds in the tournament.

Shaun Pruitt continues to play well down the stretch and seems to have discovered a new enthusiasm for the game. He has averaged 13.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in Indy but seemed most proud Saturday about leading the Illini on the play-hard chart, where points are awarded for hustle plays.

“It was the highest I’ve had all season,’’ he said. “I was happy about that. It’s something that helps the team when a player gives up his body like that.’’

And when was the last time you saw Pruitt ahead of the defense, running the floor and dunking?

There is clearly a different feeling around the team, but finding enough energy and execution to beat a top-10 team today is a tall order. But the last three days have Weber believing.

“I don’t know if they just realize it’s the end of the season and this is do or die,’’ he said, “but they have finally come together.’’