Thursday, February 27
Evanston, Ill.
7 P.M.

Northwestern

6-21,1-16Big Ten

66
vs
74

Illinois

19-9,11-6Big Ten

1
2
F
Illinois
34
40
74
Northwestern
26
40
66

Wildcats Fall Short Against Illinois, 74-66

2/27/2020 9:10:00 PM | Men's Basketball

EVANSTON, Ill - Northwestern battled Illinois into the final minutes of the game, but ultimately fell on Thursday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena, 74-66.

Pat Spencer led the 'Cats in scoring for a team-high seventh time this season. The graduate student had 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting.

Miller Kopp joined Spencer in double-digit scoring with 14 points, including a 2-for-4 performance from deep. Pete Nance and Boo Buie also notched double-figure scoring with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Kopp got things started for NU, scoring five of the first seven Wildcat points. The 'Cats went on an 11-4 run to take a three-point lead at the 13:21 mark in the first half.

A balanced offensive effort kept the Wildcats in the game at halftime. Spencer paced the 'Cats with seven points, while Nance and Kopp added five each.

The second Pat Spencer and-one of the game cut the Illini lead to just five early in the second period. Spencer and Boo Buie's crafty finishing helped the 'Cats outscore Illinois 18-8 in the paint in the second half.

Chicago's Big Ten Team will be back in action on Sunday as they travel to take on Nebraska. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT.
 

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