WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- All the ingredients were there for an Illinois upset. The Illini shot the lights out to start the game, silenced Mackey Arena and were playing with newfound vigor.
But once again, the Illini fall apart down the stretch in a tight game and lost to the Boilermakers 75-67, missing a chance to gain a marquee victory and build some much-needed confidence headed into the NCAA tournament.
After Purdue erased a 13-point Illinois lead in the first half, the Boilermakers took an early second-half lead and held onto it the entire time. Illinois was able to cut the lead to 62-61 following a 3-point play with 6:17 remaining, but in all too typical fashion, that would be its final field goal until Brandon Paul hit a desperation 3-pointer with 39.2 seconds remaining.
The Boilermakers, meanwhile, struggled to put Illinois away but finally did on two free throws from JaJuan Johnson and a 3-pointer from E'Twaun Moore.
Johnson had 23 points for Purdue while Moore had 18. Demetri McCamey had 18 for Illinois. The game turned in the first half when coach Bruce Weber chose to sit McCamey for the final 7:48 with two fouls. Purdue was able to slow Illinois' offense down and cut into Illinois' lead and tie it at halftime.
Photo: Purdue's JaJuan Johnson shoots during the first half. (Brian Spurlock/US Presswire)
Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/03/illini-game-day-facing-tough-task-in-purdue.html
Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿