Second-half surge propels Northwestern over Illinois

Chase Audige scored 21 factors and added 4 steals and Northwestern received for the sixth time in seven video games, defeating Illinois 73-60 on Wednesday night time at Welsh-Ryan Enviornment in Evanston.

The Wildcats (11-3, 2-1 Massive Ten) added to what has been their greatest begin in seven seasons. They received 15 factors from Boo Buie and 13 from Ty Berry. Buie was 2-for-13 from the sphere however made 11 of 12 free throws.

The Wildcats shot 32% for the sport and made 7-of-18 3-pointers. Three of these makes have been consecutive three-pointers by Audige, Brooks Barnhizer and Berry that gave them a 47-43 lead with 11 minutes remaining within the second half.

Whereas Illinois was mired in a 1-for-9 capturing stoop, the Wildcats’ run reached 22-2 for a 60-45 lead with 5:53 remaining. The Wildcats wouldn’t make one other discipline objective however went 13-for-16 from the road to shut out the win.

Northwestern made 32 of 40 free throws for the sport.

Matthew Mayer scored 17 factors and went over 1,000 profession factors for Illinois. Jayden Epps had 11 factors off the bench and Coleman Hawkins scored 10. Terrence Shannon Jr., third within the Massive Ten at 17.8 ppg, had 9 factors and 7 assists.

The Illini (9-5, 0-3) have misplaced 4 of their final 5 video games in opposition to Energy 5 groups, the lone win an 85-78 additional time choice over then-No. 2 Texas on Dec. 6. Illinois had received the previous eight video games within the sequence with Northwestern.

Two free throws and a pullup jumper by Audige adopted by Robbie Beran’s three-point play put Northwestern up 23-17 with 6:50 remaining within the first half. Illinois bounced proper again with an 8-2 run to tie it, then Northwestern edged forward to steer 31-27 at halftime.

The Wildcats wore their “Chicago’s Personal” By the Gamers uniforms from Below Armour for the second time this season.