Morning Box Score: Illinois Outlasts Iowa

By Matt Motyka in News on Feb 2, 2009 4:20PM

No. 20 Illinois rebounded from their 36-point performance against Minnesota with a 62-54 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Illini once again looked sluggish in the first half, but started the second period with 13 points before missing a basket. Leading by one with 8:30 left to play, Illinois scored six straight to extend their lead to three possessions. The Illini then froze offensively, however, recording two points over the next six minutes. Fortunately for Illinois the Hawkeyes only scored four during the same stretch, and with 39 seconds on the clock the Illini sank eight consecutive free throws to preserve the lead. Big man Mike Tisdale led all participants in scoring with 18 points.