Sports Notes, 1/14/067

-- You know that Michigan fans have already figured out a way to secretly believe that they truly deserve a shot at Florida.

-- Nice win for UIC on Wednesday, 73-67 over No. 12 Butler. It’s a good thing Illinois already beat the Flames, or the Illini might not be able to claim they’re the best college basketball team in the state.

-- Then again, considering that Northwestern took Wisconsin to the wire and Illinios is going to lose to Wisconsin by 20, it won’t be long until Illinois won’t be able to make that claim anyway.

-- The Blackhawks have lost five in a row and nine of their last 12. The Bulls trounced NBA bottom-feeder Memphis last night, but before that lost five of six, including a home loss to New Jersey in which they coughed up an 18-point lead. Can you West Town residents please look out your window and see if that giant black cloud over the United Center is showing any signs of moving along soon?