Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Jan 21, 2009 5:30PM

Hawks Handle Bulls
The Bulls suffered another close defeat Wednesday, losing 105-102 to the Hawks from Atlanta (no, the hockey team didn't pick up a basketball, although...). With the game tied at the start of the fourth quarter, the lead would see-saw seven times in the next seven minutes. The advange then tilted in Atlanta's favor, however, as Mike Bibby led a quick 7-0 surge for the Hawks. This pushed the lead to two-possessions, and put the game out of grasp for Chicago. Ben Gordon led the Bulls in scoring with 21, and Luol Deng was good for another double-double.

College Basketball
No. 24 Illinois earned a 67-49 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes, fueled by a 20-10 turnover advantage and a balanced offensive effort.

DePaul gave way to the South Florida Bulls, 70-61, as the Blue Demons struggled to box out on the defensive end late in the game.

Chicago State surrendered to the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 71-68, as Cougars star David Holston was held to 15 points, 11 below his season average.

NIU made a meal out of the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 72-52, taking the early lead and shooting nearly 63 percent from the field.

AP Photo