Morning Box Score: Bulls, Blackhawks Win; Illinois Free Fall Continues
By Chuck Sudo in News on Mar 5, 2012 2:30PM
The Bulls traveled to the City of Brotherly Love and ended a three-game losing streak against the Sixers in a tight contest with playoff implications. On a day where point guards stood out, Derrick Rose scored 35 points, handed out eight assists, hit buzzer beaters at the second and third quarters and hit a running floater to put the Bulls ahead to stay with 20.2 seconds left. Joakim Noah earned another double double with 11 points and 18 rebounds as he controlled the defensive glass. Carlos Boozer added 13 points and seven boards.
The Blackhawks also got a win on the road, and at Joe Louis Arena, no less. Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane scored for the Hawks and Ray Emery stopped 23 of the 24 shots he faced as Chicago handed the Red Wings its third loss in their last four games at home after a dominating 23-game home winning streak.
To see Illinois surrender like they have the past month or so has been sad to watch. The only way they're making it to the NCAA Tournament is if they win the Big Ten tourney outright. Invitations to the NIT and other postseason tourneys are also a pipe dream, and coach Bruce Weber is as good as gone. Yesterday they fell to Wisconsin's smothering defense at the Kohl Center in Madison. Jordan Taylor and Josh Gasser each scored 16 points for the 15th-ranked Badgers, who put this game away with a 31-18 first half. Brandon Paul was the only bright spot for the Illini with 22 points.