The recovery, it seemed, started with defense so downright stifling that Michigan State coach Tom Izzo suggested some degree of malfeasance had escaped the officials.

Illinois scraped and clawed to rediscover its identity against the Spartans two weeks ago, an identity that has allowed the Illini to frequently compensate for a lethargic offense in recent years. They held Michigan State to 41 points and 24 percent shooting.

But the formula for success just as quickly evaporated, leaving Illinois on the brink of NCAA Tournament extinction. The Illini have played their worst defense in recent memory the last three games — all losses — allowing opponents to average 76 points while shooting 54 percent.

"The biggest disappointment is the defense, which is baffling to me," coach Bruce Weber said. "Something happened. Defense is pride. It's effort. Preparation is part of it, but we've had breakdowns and haven't had the intensity. And we haven't taken care of the ball. When they get an easy layup off a turnover, it's tough to guard."

Illinois will continue looking for answers tonight when Purdue visits Assembly Hall at 7:30 in a battle of teams desperate for wins. With six losses in seven games, the Illini (16-9 overall, 5-7 in the Big Ten) are in greater distress.

They have six games remaining in an attempt to reach .500 in the conference, a mark that is considered good enough for a Big Ten team to receive an at-large berth.

The Boilermakers (16-9, 6-6) hold a one-game edge on Illinois thanks to a win in their first meeting on New Year's Eve.

"They're a team that's had some of their own struggles," Weber said. "We're in similar situations. It's going to come down to the last stretch and if you can find a way to muster up some wins. I think our RPI is in decent shape. Our schedule rating is good. But you have to finish and that's part of it."

The losing streak has not only placed the Illini's NCAA hopes in jeopardy, but also has given strength to the outcry from one segment of fans for Weber's ouster. Nevertheless, he says the Illini are within reach of a berth based on the strength of several victories, including Ohio State, Michigan State and Gonzaga.

Purdue would appear to have weaker credentials than Illinois, having missed an opportunity last week to add a win at Ohio State, where the Boilermakers lost by three points. They responded by beating Northwestern, which is also battling for its NCAA life.

"You're right there on that bubble," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "It means a lot. Once you're in February, these games mean so much. It's going to be a huge game for both teams. We need to keep our focus on what we need to do instead of worrying about if we win or lose."

If ever there was a must-win for the Illini, this is it. They will follow with two road games, and time is running out to repair a season of missed opportunities.

It has reached a point that Weber said Illinois has asked the Big Ten for help in lobbying for an at-large berth should the Illini finish 8-10. If the conference is to get eight teams in the tourney as some have projected, sub-.500 teams might be considered.

"It's happened before," Weber said. "A lot depends on us. If you're 8-10, now do you win in the (Big Ten) tournament? It depends on how everything unfolds with everybody else. But it's all conjecture. We have to find a way to win some games."