EVANSTON, Ill. — Just when you thought Northwestern couldn't outdo itself.
As it has countless times this season, Northwestern (9-10, 2-8 B1G) failed to maintain its second-half lead against an in-conference rival and pull off the upset. The Wildcats lost to Illinois (15-5, 8-2 B1G) 59-56.
Pete Nance led the way for the ‘Cats, finishing with 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting. No other Northwestern player finished in double figures, with Boo Buie and Ty Berry ending with nine and eight points, respectively.
For Illinois, it was the Kofi Cockburn show. The 7-foot center finished with 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting.