Morning Box Score: Bulls Wrangle Raptors, Northwestern Upsets Michigan State
By Tim Bearden in News on Jan 15, 2012 3:30PM
The Bulls advanced to a league best 12-2 after beating the Toronto Raptors Saturday. The Bulls hosted the Canadian ball club at the United Center and are now 5-0 at home, their best record since going 7-0 in the '96-'97 season. Derrick Rose had 18 points and 11 assists, with five of those assists coming in the fourth quarter. The Bulls only led by four going into the final period, but a 19-6 run led by Rose and Taj Gibson, who scored nine of his 11 points in the fourth, helped the Bulls stay well ahead of the Raptors and finish strong. The Bulls are 8-1 in their last nine games.
Northwestern 81, (6) Michigan State 74
Northwestern continues to prove they're worthy of a spot in the Big Dance this year by upsetting number six seed Michigan State on Saturday and ending their 15 game winning streak. While John Shurna and Drew Crawford produced plenty for the Wildcats, back-up center Davide Curletti was the talk of the game with a season high 17 points and six rebounds. Curletti had his first start of the season and the second of his career against the Spartans. Shurna and Crawford also led the team with 22 and 20 points respectively.
Illinois-Chicago 58, Loyola of Chicago 51
It was the battle of the bads Saturday as 6-11 Illinois-Chicago beat 5-12 Loyola. Daniel Barnes and Gary Talton led the Flames as Barnes went 6 for 9 behind the arc. Barnes finished the game with 18 points. Walt Gibler was able to get Loyola within three with a little over two minutes remaining, but the Ramblers couldn't seal the deal.
Northern Illinois 74, Central Michigan 66
The Huskies won their second game of the season Saturday night against the Chippewas. It was all Northern as Central Michigan failed to achieve their usual 3-0 league start this season. The Huskies out-rebounded the Chippewas 39-22 and went on a 15-0 run to end the first half 41-27. Central Michigan shot better in the second half but couldn't overcome the 14 point deficit.