Freeman’s 3-Pointer Lifts Rutgers Over Illinois
Illinois coach John Groce signals a play during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017. Nati Harnik/Associated Press
DeShawn Freeman's sixth 3-pointer of the season may have knocked Illinois out of the NCAA Tournament and put coach John Groce out of a job. Freeman scored 21 points and hit a 3-pointer with seven seconds left to lead Rutgers past Illinois 62-59 on Saturday. Freeman hit the game-winner from the wing, before flinging Tracy Abrams' missed 3-point attempt into the student section, along with Illinois' NCAA Tournament hopes and Groce's job status.
Both were in major question before Illinois (18-13, 8-10) reeled off a four-game winning streak heading into the regular-season finale against Rutgers. With the loss, both questions now re-emerge.
Illinois led 44-34 after Michael Finke made a 3-pointer with 14:44 to go but Rutgers (14-17, 3-15 Big Ten) rallied, taking a 55-54 lead with five minutes remaining after Corey Sanders scored six straight points.
The Illini ended the regular season winning four out of five, but the loss may end its NCAA Tournament hopes and Groce's tenure. They'll need to make a serious run in the Big Ten Tournament to change both of those.
Malcolm Hill and Maverick Morgan each scored 16 points for Illinois (18-13, 8-10).
Corey Sanders had 17 points for Rutgers.
Links
- Three-Point Barrage Keys Illinois’ 73-57 Victory Over Nebraska
- Hill’s 21, Lucas Block Help Illini Hold Off Iowa 70-66
- Malcolm Hill’s Career-High 40 Pts. Buries Northern Kentucky
- DJ Williams Returns To Illini Men’s Basketball Team
- Illini Men Sweep Wildcats For First Big Ten Winning Streak In Two Years
- Illini Men Bounce Back With Win Over Ohio State
- Malcolm Hill Takes Over To Propel Illini Past IUPUI
- Illini Men Win ACC-Big Ten Challenge With 88-74 Victory Over NC State
- Illini Men Suffer Third Consecutive Blowout Road Loss
- Penn State Stops Illini Men 83-70