No. 13 Illini survive scare against Northwestern, 73-66
Illinois' RJ Melendez (15) shoots as Northwestern's Ryan Greer defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Illinois' RJ Melendez (15) shoots as Northwestern's Ryan Greer defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 03:15 PM EST
Illinois' RJ Melendez advances the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Illinois' RJ Melendez advances the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 05:20 PM EST
Illinois' Kofi Cockburn (21) lays up the ball against Northwestern's Pete Nance (22) and Elyjah Williams during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Illinois' Kofi Cockburn (21) lays up the ball against Northwestern's Pete Nance (22) and Elyjah Williams during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 03:16 PM EST
Northwestern's Robbie Beran (31) grabs a rebound against Illinois' Jacob Grandison during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Northwestern's Robbie Beran (31) grabs a rebound against Illinois' Jacob Grandison during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 03:15 PM EST
Illinois' Andre Curbelo lays up the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Illinois' Andre Curbelo lays up the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 05:20 PM EST
Northwestern's Ryan Young shoots a free throw during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Northwestern's Ryan Young shoots a free throw during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 05:18 PM EST
Northwestern's Boo Buie celebrates after making a basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Northwestern's Boo Buie celebrates after making a basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 03:15 PM EST
Illinois' Alfonso Plummer celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Illinois' Alfonso Plummer celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 03:27 PM EST
Illinois' Trent Frazier (1) saves a ball from going out of bounds during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Illinois' Trent Frazier (1) saves a ball from going out of bounds during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 03:07 PM EST
Illinois' RJ Melendez (15) catches an inbounds pass as Northwestern's Pete Nance (22) and Boo Buie defend during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Illinois' RJ Melendez (15) catches an inbounds pass as Northwestern's Pete Nance (22) and Boo Buie defend during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 05:03 PM EST
Northwestern's Chase Audige advances the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Northwestern's Chase Audige advances the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio)

Feb. 13, 2022 05:19 PM EST