The Morning After: Blackhawks, Bulls Both Fall

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Feb 4, 2010 4:00PM

'Hawks Sing The Blues
Just like the Bulls, the Blackhawks had their United Center homecoming spoiled by losing as the St. Louis Blues got the best of the 'Hawks 3-2. Patrick Kane got the 'Hawks off to a good start and a 1-0 lead with a backhand goal a little over seven minutes in to the game. But a bad second period sunk the 'Hawks as the Blues scored three straight goals in an eight minute span to take a 3-1 lead heading into the third period. Marian Hossa cut into the lead with a short-handed goal early in the third, but the 'Hawks weren't able to get any closer and the Blues held on for the win. The 'Hawks nearly doubled the Blues up on shots, 34-19, but the Blues made theirs count; Huet got the nod in goal with an ill Antti Niemi sitting out a scheduled start. The Phoenix Coyotes come skating into town Friday as the 'Hawks look to bounce back into the win column (7:30 p.m., CSN+).

Bulls Deep-Sixed In OT
The Bulls have traded a five-game win streak for a new two-game losing streak as they fell to the Philadelphia 76ers in OT 106-103. It was a tight game most of the way though the Bulls led by as many as eight at one point in the second period and had a six point lead at the half. With the score tied at 98-98 in the OT period, though, Philly hit a three-pointer that put them up for good. Derrick Rose had a solid night for the Bulls, scoring 30 points and dishing 9 assists, while John Salmons and Luol Deng each scored 17 points each. The Bulls once again find themselves below .500 (23-24) and it doesn't get any easier as they head down to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Friday (7 p.m., CSN/ESPN).

College Basketball

• Illinois extended their winning streak to three games after topping the Hawkeyes 57-49 last night. Iowa cut the Illini lead to 3 late but Illinois hit some key free throws down the stretch to hold on for the win. Demetri McCamey led the Illini with 15 points.
• DePaul continued to struggle, losing to Marquette 80-69. It was the Blue Demons' fourth straight loss and their 10th in their last 11 games. Mac Koshwal had 18 points and 11 rebounds for DePaul.
• NIU's slide continued as they lost their fifth straight game, losing to Akron 90-76.