Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Mar 18, 2009 3:20PM

Bulls Shamrock Celtics
Whether you credit the green jerseys, the Bulls' sheer determination, or the absence of Kevin Garnett, Chicago stole a St. Patrick's Day victory from the Boston Celtics, 127-121. The Bulls were on top for most of the first half until the Celts outscored them 11-5 in the final minutes and seized a one-point lead. Boston stretched that lead as high as 13, but Chicago climbed back to within one by the end of the third quarter. The advantage see-sawed for much of the final period, and the two teams found themselves tied at 113 with 2:28 to play. That's when the Bulls made their charge, scoring 12 points in the final two minutes to bury the Celtics and earn the W. John Salmons led Chicago with 38 points, one better than Boston's Paul Pierce, and Brad Miller recorded 21 points and 14 rebounds off the bench. With the win Chicago moves into sole possession of the East's eighth playoff spot, half a game ahead of Milwaukee. The Bulls will try to stay put in the standings when they visit Oklahoma City this evening.

Brodeur Hangs 552 on 'Hawks
The Chicago Blackhawks were looking for just one win on Tuesday, but instead Martin Brodeur got his 552nd, as the New Jersey Devils prevailed, 3-2. The Devils' victory gave Brodeur the most career wins for a goalie in NHL history and saddled the 'Hawks their third consecutive loss. New Jersey struck quickly, scoring within the first minute of play, and fortified its lead by recording the game's next two goals. Down 3-0, Chicago got off the schneid with a Cam Barker power-play goal late in the second period. Dustin Byfuglien would then make things interesting by sending home a slapshot with two minutes left in regulation, but that was all she wrote for Chicago. The 'Hawks will try to regroup tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Our congratulations to Marty.

College Basketball
Good fortune smiled upon the Fighting Irish Tuesday, as Notre Dame defeated the UAB Blazers, 70-64. The Irish didn't dominate, but were in control for most of the contest. Big man Luke Harangody made his presence felt with 22 points and 10 boards, including a key and-one play that gave Notre Dame some breathing room late in the game. Kyle McAlarney chipped in 12 more for the Irish, who next face New Mexico in the second round of the NIT on Thursday.

AP Photo/Paul Beaty