"Powell stands tall in the post" / Copley News Service

Roger Powell reads the Bible regularly, so it wasn't surprising to hear the undersized Illinois forward's description of his matchup Wednesday with Wake Forest center Eric Williams.

"David vs. Goliath," Powell said. "I don't have a slingshot or anything."

Perhaps it's divine intervention, but the devout Powell suddenly has become the defensive force needed early this season as the Illini head into today's game against Arkansas at the Alltel Arena.

Powell's shoes are covered with Bible verses. In a world of profane language, Powell keeps it clean. One day this fall, Powell hit the practice court hard. His reaction: "Shoot!"