Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 20, 2009 3:00PM

Illini Topped By Western Kentucky
The first day of the NCAA tournament saw only one upset and that was the last game of the night as the 12th seed Western Kentucky Hilltoppers made 5th seed Illinois' visit to the Big Dance a short one, hanging on for a 76-72 victory over the Illini. After a close opening 10 minutes, Western Kentucky pulled ahead of a sluggish Illini team that was missing star Chester Frazier. The Hilltoppers were up 68-51 with a little over four minutes to play when Illinois showed life and began a furious comeback, cutting the lead to one score in the final minute, but just couldn't get over the hill. Trent Meacham led Illinois with 24 points and Calvin Brock did an admirable job filling for Frazier, scoring 14 and bringing down 10 rebounds.

Notre Dame Edges UNM To Continue NIT Run
Notre Dame provided plenty of drama to their post-season appearance on their way to a 70-68 victory over New Mexico in the second round of the NIT. Notre Dame led by as many as 14 in the first half and held a 34-24 halftime lead, but the Lobos came out firing in the second half, outscoring the Irish 24-12 in the first nine minutes of the second half to grab the lead. New Mexico led by as many as six, but Notre Dame chipped away at the lead and took the lead for good as Tory Jackson went coast-to-coast and hit an amazing shot with just 2.2 tics left on the clock. Jackson had 16 points on the night and Luke Harangody led all players with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Now the Irish can watch the weekend action as they await the winner of Kentucky-Creighton (Monday) for next week's third round game.