Morning Box Score
By Matt Motyka in News on Feb 28, 2009 5:45PM
Penguins Edge 'Hawks
The Chicago Blackhawks gave it a go on Friday, but ultimately fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 in OT. Trailing by scores of 2-0 and 4-2, the 'Hawks twice made impressive comeback bids, but the Penguins' Evgeni Malkin had the final say with a power-play goal in the bonus period. Chicago's Jonathan Toews took full advantage of the 'Hawks promotional hard-hat night, turning in his first career hat trick. The plastic contruction caps rained down a bit prematurely, however, as Toews' third score was waived-off for a high stick. Determined to reclaim his three-goal night and keep his team in the contest, Toews netted another in the third period to make it official. Dave Bolland had the fourth Chicago goal, tying the game on a backhanded shot with five minutes in regulation.
Wizards Show-Up Bulls
The Chicago Bulls floundered in front of their First Fan on Friday, as President Obama was in attendance for their 113-90 loss to the Washington Wizards (yes, he was courtside). The Bulls only lead of the game was 2-0, but they kept within striking distance through the first three quarters. Down by 10 with 7:30 to play, the Bulls scored six to their opponent's 19 as the deficit ballooned to 23. John Salmons led Chicago with 25, who would have shot southwards of 35 percent without the newcomer's efforts. The Bulls are back in town tonight to play host to the Houston Rockets.
College Basketball
UIC defeated Loyola 62-58, in a battle of crosstown conference foes. The Flames were the better shooting team and grabbed a greater share of rebounds, but committed 10 more turnovers than the Ramblers to keep their lead tenuous. UIC was up 13 approaching the five minute mark, but Loyola stormed back with a 15-4 run. Down two and with possession in the final seconds, Loyola's Jordan Hicks coughed it up to Spencer Stewart, and the UIC held on for the win. Rob Eppinger was the Flames top-scorer with a career-high 16 points, and J.R. Blount also had 16 for the Ramblers.