Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Feb 4, 2009 4:40PM

'Hawks Overwhelm Oilers
The Blackhawks had their way with the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday night, winning 3-1. Despite jumping out to an early 1-0 lead, Edmonton couldn't hold off Chicago's offensive assault in the second period. Cam Barker broke the ice for the Blackhawks with a one-timer from the blue line, and Dave Bolland's bullet of a slap shot proved to be the game winner. Martin Havlat scored the insurance goal in the third, as the Chicago kept Edmonton on the defensive with a 41-21 shots-on-goal advantage. The 'Hawks now migrate to Calgary for a Thursday match up with the Flames.

Rockets Best Bulls
Riding the high of three consecutive road wins, the Bulls were brought back down to Earth by the Houston Rockets Tuesday, 107-100. Chicago made a bid to erase their 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but would never get closer than five points. The Bulls struggled to contain big-man Yao Ming, who was dominant in the paint for the Rockets. Chicago also performed poorly from the free-throw line, converting only 17 of 28 opportunities, while Houston shot a stellar 27 of 30 in an otherwise statistically-close game. Luol Deng led the Bulls with 28 points, Ben Gordon had 20, and Tyrus Thomas recorded a double-double with 14 and 13 boards. The Bulls hope to resume their winning ways in New Orleans tonight, when they face a slumping Hornets squad.

College Basketball
DePaul couldn't keep up with the no. 8 Marquette Golden Eagles, losing 76-61. The Blue Demons fell behind early, but rallied with a 17-6 run at the end of the first half to get within five. Marquette slowly streched their lead in the second period, however, and DePaul found themselves outside striking distance in the final five minutes of play. The Blue Demons were without leading-scorer Dar Tucker, but got a 30-point performance from Will Walker in his stead. Things do not get easier for struggling DePaul, as they face the no. 5 Pitt Panthers on Saturday.