Morning Box Score: Illinois Upsets Ohio State; Bulls, Blackhawks Win
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 11, 2012 2:50PM
Big Ten contenders probably need to win nine games in conference play in order to merit consideration for the NCAA Tournament in March. The Illini improved to 4-1 in conference play by defeating the fifth-ranked Buckeyes at Assembly Hall. Brandon Paul had a record-setting night. Paul scored a career-high 43 points, the third-highest single scoring performance in school history, and connected on an off-balance three-pointer with 43 seconds left to give the Illini the lead for good on a night when the school honored former coach Lou Henson. Paul was 11-for-15 from the field and added eight rebounds, four blocked shots and two steals. Center Meyers Leonard added 14 points.
The Blue Demons' Big East woes continued as they were routed by the Pirates at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Seton Hall, ranked for the first time in 11 years, was led by Jordan Theodore's 26 points and 11 assists and Fuquan Edwin's 28 points. All were career highs for Edwin and Theodore. Brandon Young led DePaul with 16 points. Cleveland Melvin and Worrel Clahar each added 14 apiece.
Fans of good point guard play (right here) were stoked for last night's matchup between Derrick Rose and Timberwolves rookie sensation Ricky Rubio. Neither disappointed, but Rose's season-high 31 points and 11 assists trumped Rubio's 13 points and 11 assists as the Bulls used 53 percent shooting from the field to hand Minnesota the loss. Luol Deng added 21 points and 11 rebounds. So far this season, Rose is averaging 8.6 assists per game, fifth in the NBA.
The Blackhawks snapped a four-game skid by feasting on the lowly Blue Jackets at the United Center. Viktor Stalberg scored a hat trick in the win, and has scored seven of his 12 goals this season against Columbus. Dave Bolland and Ben Smith also scored for the Hawks.