Illinois Hangs On For Win Against Michigan
Illinois started strong when facing Michigan Wednesday night. When it came to the second half, coach Bruce Weber was getting nervous. Michigan had a strong push and the Illini only barely won.
Demetri McCamey scored 18 and Illinois held off a late Michigan charge for a 54-52 win Wednesday.
Bill Cole hit a free throw with 14 seconds to play to give Illinois the two-point edge. The Wolverines then missed a pair of shots at the other end, the last a desperation one-handed heave by Stu Douglass that hit the rim at the buzzer.
The win keeps Illini (17-9, 7-6 Big Ten) hopes for an NCAA tournament spot alive. For Michigan (16-11, 6-8), the loss ended a three-game winning streak that had the Wolverines thinking March Madness might be in reach for them, too.
Mike Tisdale added 12 for Illinois, which led 32-22 at halftime.
Jordan Morgan led Michigan with 12 points. Darius Morris had 11 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 10.
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