Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jan 6, 2010 4:40PM

'Hawks Tame Wild
The Blackhawks threw a lot of money at an injured Marian Hossa this past off-season, but now that he's back at full-strength, it's starting to pay off. Hossa got two goals for the second straight game to help push the Blackhawks past the Minnesota Wild 4-1. The Wild struck first just over midway through the first period, but John Madden tied it up for the 'Hawks. Hossa scored the eventual game-winner halfway through the second period, and then Patrick Kane scored a power play goal early in the third followed by Hossa's second goal of the game to extend the lead. Huet had 19 saves in goal and the 'Hawks out-shot the Wild 33-20. The win puts the 'Hawks in sole possession of first place in the Western Conference and they'll try to extend their winning streak to five games when they visit the Bruins on Thursday (6 p.m., CSN).

Bobcats Edge Bulls
The Bulls had a better night shooting but they still didn't play well enough to beat their match in mediocrity - the Charlotte Bobcats - losing 113-108. The Bulls kept things close but played from behind most of the game before tying the game at 105-105 with a little more than two minutes remaining. Derrick Rose led the Bulls with 24 points and 9 assists while John Salmons scored 19 off the bench. It's the Bulls' second straight loss after a holiday winning streak that may have only delayed the firing of Coach Vinny. Next up is a trip to Milwaukee on Friday night (7:30 p.m., CSN).

College Hoops
Illinois moved to 2-0 in Big Ten play last night by beating Iowa 59-42. D.J. Richardson came off the bench for the Illini to lead all scorers with 17.
Luke Harangody scored 26 points including the game-winning free throw with less than two seconds left to put Notre Dame past USF 74-73.