Player of the game
Illinois’ Malcolm Hill
The 6-foot-6 guard scored all of his team-high 14 points in the second half even though Northwestern didn’t make it any easier on the Illini senior. He essentially willed his team to its first road win this season.
Backcourt
Northwestern: B
Illinois: B
Both Hill and Wildcats point guard Bryant McIntosh turned up their production in the second half, but they had some help. Te’Jon Lucas did a little bit of everything for the Illini, while Vic Law was a solid running mate for McIntosh.