Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Jan 9, 2009 3:55PM

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Avs Boot Blackhawks
The Colorado Avalanche put their best foot forward Thursday night, as they beat the Blackhawks 2-1. The Avs drew first blood, scoring off the skate of left wing Ryan Smyth. The goal was initially waived off as a kicked shot, but after review, the official determined that there was no intentional kicking motion, just a bad bounce for the 'Hawks. Chicago tied it up the more traditional way, on a Brian Campbell slap shot in the second period. Colorado would take control for good, however, when Wojtek Wolski scored a power-play goal with seven minutes left in the game. The Blackhawks launched a barrage of empty-net attempts late, but the impenetrable Andrew Raycroft would not cooperate, recording 44 saves on the evening. The 'Hawks welcomed the return of All-Star Patrick Kane, who assisted Chicago's lone score.

College Basketball
Loyola surrendered to the Cleveland State Vikings Thursday, 76-50. The Vikings seized an 8-0 lead to start the game, and would never give it back. Sub-par shooting hampered the Ramblers, who were also minus eight in the turnover battle. The Vikings' J'Nathan Bullock may not have an “o” in his name, but he has O in his game, as he led all offensively with 20 points. J.R. Blount recorded 16 for Loyola, and was the only Rambler to crack double digits.

UIC did not heed the warning in their 80-70 loss to the Youngstown State Penguins. The Flames shot a stellar 50 percent from the field, but were undone by a 14-3 Penguins run late in the second half. Shooting fouls were a silent killer for UIC, as they were outscored 22-7 from the charity stripe. Josh Mayo managed 20 points in the loss, and Scott VanderMeer eeked out a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.