Morning Box Score: Blackhawks Rout Predators, Bulls Win Tough in DC, Mizzou Claims Braggin' Rights

By Chuck Sudo in News on Dec 23, 2010 4:00PM

Basketball

Bulls 87, Wizards 80: The Bulls entered last night's game against Washington with all the makings of a trap game. They thoroughly dominated Philadelphia the night before and were facing a reconstituted Wizards squad without the injured John Wall and with new addition Rashard Lewis. For a while, it looked as though the Wizards would pull off the win. But Carlos Boozer's 30 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists led the way for the Bulls. Derrick rose added 25. Washinton was led by Nick Young's 22 points and Kirk Hinrich added 19 points and 9 assists.

Hockey

Blackhawks 4, Predators 1: Blackhawks fans may be resigned to the fact that this year's squad lacks the talent of the Stanley Cup winners from a year ago. That doesn't mean the team has lowered their expectations any less. One of the hallmarks of last year's squad was their tough defense. This year's squad seems to be finally getting the message that defense wins championships. They controlled rebounds and loose pucks while providing Corey Crawford with capable backup in last night's win against Nashville. Jack Skille scored twice in the win.

College Basketball

Missouri 75, Illinois 64: Illinois and Missouri squared off in the annual "Braggin' Rights" basketball game in St. Louis. In a battle between two nationally ranked teams, Missouri finally made some breathing room with a 40-second offensive outburst at the end of the game, courtesy of a four-point play by Laurence Bowers. Mizzou scored eight points in a nine-second span and made Tigers fan Jake Guidry a happy lad. Illinois was led by Mike Davis with 17 points and 8 rebounds.