Two teams that started strong but stumbled late collide in Des Moines Thursday when Illinois plays Arkansas in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The Illini are 20-12 after dropping five of their last eight games. Illini coach Brad Underwood says his team will have a challenge against a Razorback team that is 20-13.

The Illini had some big non-conference wins but finished 11-9 in the Big Ten.

Underwood says the Illini lacked consistency in the second half of the season.

Arkansas coach Eric Musselman says both teams have potential.

With six of their 12 players freshmen Musselman says inexperience has been a factor in their inconsistency.