Northwestern
6-13,3-12Big Ten
#5 Illinois
15-5,11-3Big Ten
'Cats Comeback Effort Falls Short at No. 5 Illinois
2/16/2021 10:48:00 PM | Men's Basketball
CHAMPAIGN, ILL. - After trailing by 18, the Wildcats were within one in the second half but ultimately fell short to the fifth-ranked Fighting Illini, 66-73.
After a slow start, Northwestern elevated the competition in the final four minutes of the first half and came out firing in the second half.
The 'Cats were aggressive on the defensive end, forcing Illini 10 turnovers in the first half. The Wildcats have won or tied the first-half turnover battle in 16 out of 19 games this season. Ultimately, Northwestern won the turnover battle 15-12, marking the 13th time Northwestern has turned the ball over fewer times than its opponent this season.
The 'Cats found their rhythm towards the end of the second half and after a 9-0 run. Anthony Gaines, Pete Nance, and Chase Audige all hit from beyond the arc within the first 2:36 of the second half. Northwestern continued to close the gap and outscored Illinois 16-6 between 2:05 to go in the first to 17:24 in the second.
Audige led Northwestern's offensive with 22 points and two steals. Audige now has 25 steals in conference play this season, more than any other player in the Big Ten.
Nance also put together a double-digit scoring performance with 14 points to make this his 13th game in double-digits this season. He extended his team rebounding lead to 128 after collecting six boards against the Illini.
Gaines had team-high seven rebounds and two steals.
The Wildcats will return home this Sunday, Feb. 21, to face the No. 21 Wisconsin Badgers at 6 p.m. CT, with coverage by the Big Ten Network and WGN 720 A.M.
