Kofi Cockburn had 19 factors and 15 rebounds for No. 13 Illinois beat Northwestern 73-66 on Sunday after a late rally by Northwestern.
After Alfonso Plummer's 3-pointer at 13:05, Illinois led 18 to Northwestern. However Northwestern got here again with a 19-2 win to tie the rating at one with 6:16 left.
Cockburn, a 7-foot middle, was requested by the Illini (18-6, 11-3 Huge Ten), for his opinion. He scored six consecutive factors to present them a lead of 61-56 with 4:19 left. Cockburn scored the ultimate three factors for the staff.
Cockburn stated that he had six turnovers, a profession report, and tied the Illinois report held by Skip Thoren (1963-1965). It is all about focus, slowing down the sport and never hurrying issues, and being sturdy with the ball. I used to be annoyed and so had been these guys. We are going to study from this."
After per week of losses, the Illini are actually in sole possession for first place in Huge Ten.
Ty Berry, who was on the bench, led the Wildcats (12-11 and 5-9 Huge Ten). He scored 16 factors on 5-of-8 taking pictures. This included 4 of 6 makes an attempt from 3-point vary. Chase Audige scored 12 factors, whereas Pete Nance added 10.
Chris Collins, Northwestern coach, stated that "(Cockburn), is simply so powerful to play in opposition to." "There isn't a one within the nation like him with such a drive and that measurement. It places you underneath quite a bit stress in some ways."
Illinois led by 44-30 at halftime resulting from its 9-of-16 3-point taking pictures within the first half. This included 4 treys by Plummer and two from freshman RJ Malendez.
Plummer scored 19 factors within the recreation, together with 5 of 11 3-point makes an attempt. Melendez had a profession excessive of 14 factors and 6 rebounds.
Melendez acknowledged that "my type of play has modified quite a bit." "Simply being there with the vets at observe, going at them, defending them as a result of it is going make me higher. I wish to study all the things potential."
Cockburn offered a bucket, after which Omar Payne's and Melendez's dunks helped Illinois to construct an 18 level lead earlier than the under-12 timeout. Payne blocked an Elyjah Williams shot, and Coleman Hawkins started the Illini on a fastbreak. This offered a clean platform for a Melendez bounce that made it 50-32 with simply 14:37 left to play.
Northwestern continued its run.
BIG PICTURE
Northwestern: The Wildcats may be powerful to beat. Though they will not be as highly effective because the elite league groups, there may be nonetheless an opportunity to complete the season increased than.500. There are six video games left and Nebraska, Minnesota (twice), and Penn State stay on the schedule.
Illinois: Illinois's Illini have gained 25 of their 29 Huge Ten video games. Though the staff may be prone to offensive lulls Cockburn is one of the best safety blanket within the courtroom. Plummer and different perimeter threats proceed to use the star middle's house.
NEXT
Northwestern hosts Purdue Wednesday
Illinois: Wednesday at Rutgers
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