AJ Turner’s game-winning, second-chance three gave Northwestern (10-5, 1-3 B1G) a much-needed first Big Ten win over lowly Illinois (4-11, 0-4). An ugly start and a free throw-laden second half slowed things down, but for one of the first times all year, Northwestern executed down the stretch to come away with a close win.
The Wildcats finished with five players in double figures, spreading the scoring load. Chicago native Ayo Dosunmu led the way with 18 for the Illini.
After a slow start, Northwestern seemed to kick into gear during the middle of the first half.