Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Mar 14, 2009 3:40PM

Sixers Top Bulls
The Chicago Bulls did their best to spoil the festivities in Philly, but came up just short, losing to the 76ers 104-101. In the final game at the Spectrum, Philadelphia used a 15-2 run at the end of the third quarter to establish a comfortable 11-point advantage. The Bulls, seemingly unphased, began the final period with a barrage of three-pointers to once again make it a contest. Finding themselves down one with 22 seconds to play, Derrick Rose's attempt at a game-winner was rejected by Samuel Dalembert, and the 76ers added an easy basket at the other end to stretch their lead to three. The Bulls had one last chance to tie, but Ben Gordon's trey wouldn't go, giving Philly fans reason to celebrate. Rose led Chicago's efforts with 20 points, while four other Bulls scored in double figures. After dropping three straight on the road, the Bulls are hoping a home tilt tonight against New Orleans will reverse their fortunes.

Blue Jackets Beat Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks succumbed to a hot Columbus team, losing 5-3 on Friday. The Blue Jackets' Antoine Vermette silenced the crowd quickly, putting the visitors up 1-0 in the game's first minute. Columbus grew their lead to two before Brent Seabrook opened the second period with a slapshot goal. Seabrook's score was soon followed by a Kris Versteeg tip-in on a rocket assist from Duncan Keith, as the 'Hawks pulled even at two. Columbus responded with another pair of goals, but Patrick Kane got one back with a wrap-around to make it 4-3. Pushing for the W, Coach Quenneville pulled Cristobal Huet with two minutes left in the game. Chicago was further aided by a slashing call against Columbus at the one-minute mark, but couldn't capitalize on the two-man advantage. The 'Hawks, who have now lost three of their last four, host the Islanders on Sunday.

College Basketball
No. 25 Illinois glided past the Michigan Wolverines Friday evening, winning by the score of 60-50. It was a one-point game at the break, but the Fighting Illini built a lead as big as 20 in the second half. Michigan was able to gain some ground in the final minutes, but never got within two possessions. The Illini held their opponents to 33-percent field-goal shooting and kept them away from the charity stripe. Mike Davis was the star of the night, leading both teams in points (22), rebounds (10), steals (3) and blocked shots (2). The Illini have a 3:05 tip with the no. 24 Purdue Boilermakers this afternoon.