The Morning After: 'Hawks Down Blues, Illini Shock Spartans

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Feb 7, 2010 4:45PM

'Hawks Skate Past St. Louis
The Blackhawks snapped a three-game losing streak as they skated past the St. Louis Blues 2-1 on Saturday night. Patrick Sharp scored his 17th goal of the season early in the first period and Jonathan Toews scored his 19th later in the period to give the 'Hawks a 2-0 lead. The lead held until late in the third period when St. Louis scored a power-play goal. Antti Niemi had a sterling night in goal, making 34 saves on 35 shots faced. The game also had some spicy moments, including a nice little tussle in the first period. The 'Hawks still trail the Sharks by four points for first place in the Western Conference. Next up is Dallas on Tuesday night (7 p.m., CSN).

College Basketball

• Illinois upset No. 5 Michigan State 78-73 last night in Champaign. The Illini rode an 11-2 run in the second half to take the lead that they held onto through to the end. Demetri McCamey had 22 points and 11 assists to lead the Illini. The Illini hope the victory will help push them into the field of 65 in March.
• DePaul stayed close with UConn but ultimately lost to the Huskies 64-57 for their fifth straight loss. Will Walker scored 24 points for DePaul.
• NIU's losing streak hit six straight games as they fell to Miami-Ohio 74-69.
• Loyola blew a nine point second half lead as they fell to Cleveland 59-56.
• The Flames of UIC snapped a nine-game losing streak by downing the Penguins of Youngstown State 74-68.