Morning Box Score
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 23, 2009 4:00PM
Knicks Hold Off Bulls
Last night, the Bulls picked up where they left off Monday night. A day after blowing a 35-point lead at home to the Sacramento Kings, the Bulls went on the road and fell behind by 22 points to the New York Knicks before battling back...and still losing 88-81. Derrick Rose had 26 points and Luol Deng had 23 in the losing effort. The Bulls closed the gap to just one point - 80-79 - with less than 2 minutes to go in the game, but let it slip away while New York hit key free throws to extend the lead. The Bulls try to do what they can to win another game this Saturday when they host the New Orleans Hornets (7 p.m., WGN) but whether or not Coach Vinny is still in charge is another question.
Sharks Chomp 'Hawks
On paper, you'd think the 'Hawks would have skated away with last night's game. You'd be wrong. Despite out-shooting the Sharks by a mind-boggling 47 to 14, San Jose still managed to find the back of the net more than the 'Hawks and swipe a 3-2 win at the United Center. San Jose scored early in the first and second periods to enter the third with a 2-0 lead. Patrick Kane scored early in the third to put the 'Hawks on the board but San Jose answered seconds later to go back ahead by two goals. A late Marian Hossa goal brought the 'Hawks closer, but not close enough. The 'Hawks also had seven power plays but didn't manage to score on any. So who's to blame? San Jose goalie Evgeni Nabokov who had 45 saves on the night; Huet had 11 saves for the 'Hawks. Now the 'Hawks are on the road in Detroit tonight against a Red Wings team looking to avenge Sunday's shutout loss (6:30 p.m., CSN).
College Basketball
- John Shurna scored 29 as he led Northwestern to a 74-54 win over Central-Connecticut.
- Notre Dame improved to 11-2 with a 101-69 blow-out of Bucknell.
- NIU got 19 from Xaiver Silas and cruised past Maryland Eastern-Shore 87-69.
- The woes continued for DePaul as the dropped one to Florida Gulf Coast 64-61.
- Three starters scored in double-figures as Loyola improved to 9-2 on the year thanks to a 68-56 win over Albany.
- Akron doused the UIC Flames 77-65.