The Morning After: Bulls, Illini Roll

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 23, 2010 3:00PM

Bulls Fire Past Rockets
For the first time in a month, the Bulls have won consecutive games thanks to a 98-88 victory over the Houston Rockets. It was a close-fought game for the first half before the Bulls went on a 16-3 run in the third to extend their lead to 72-59. But the Rockets fought their way back into the game and Coach Vinny earned his first career ejection after storming the court to argue a foul call. In spite of a double-digit Bulls lead in the fourth, the Rockets cut that lead to just three with a little over a minute. Then Kirk Hinrich hit a clutch three and the Bulls nailed free throws down the stretch to clench the victory. Derrick Rose had an outstanding night on the floor, scoring 27 points (along with 8 assists and 7 rebounds). Ronald Murray had 18 off the bench and Joakim Noah continued to see limited action in his gradual return. At 33-37, the Bulls are still 2.5 games behind the Bobcats for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Next up, the Bulls host the Heat on Thursday night (7 p.m., CSN/TNT).

Illini Advance To NIT Quarterfinals
Illinois used a second half surge to upend Kent State 75-58 and advance to the NIT quarterfinals. Tied 31-31 at halftime, the Illini sprinted out on an 8-0 run to start the second half and establish a comfortable lead that they slowly built on throughout the remainder of the game. Mike Tisdale led the Illini with 17 points, followed by Mike Davis with 16 and Demetri McCamey with 15. The Illini next host the Dayton Flyers tomorrow night (8 p.m., ESPN2) for a trip to the NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garden.

Spring Training
Jake Peavy got roughed up by Kansas City as the Royals beat the White Sox 9-5. Meanwhile, the Cubs struggled against AL Central competition as well, falling to Cleveland 9-2.