CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Northwestern couldn't cool off Illinois' 3-point shooting as the Wildcats saw their four-game winning streak come to an end in a 86-60 loss Saturday evening at State Farm Center.
Alex Olah led the 'Cats with 18 points while Bryant McIntosh added 13. Dave Sobolewski contributed a season-high 11.
Illinois couldn't miss from 3-point range to open the game, nailing four consecutive 3-pointers in surging out to an early 12-2 advantage. The Wildcats got things going on the offensive end, though, rattling off seven straight points cut the deficit to three.
However, the Fighting Illini answered the run with seven consecutive of its own to push its lead back to 10 with 12 minutes to go in the opening stanza.
Vic Law hit a trio of free throws to make it a seven-point game, but the Wildcats' shooting woes started to do them in. Northwestern went 10 minutes without a field goal as the deficit grew to 18 before Dave Sobolewski scored on a layup.
Illinois' red-hot shooting from behind the arch continued throughout the opening 20 minutes of play as it hit nine triples in taking a 45-23 halftime lead. Alex Olah led the 'Cats with 8 first-half points.
NU started the second half much better than it did the first, scoring six of the first seven points. The 'Cats had good look at a pair of 3-point attempts with a chance to inch closer, but were unable to knock them down.
Illinois was able to extend its lead once again thanks to more solid 3-point shooting and Northwestern was never able to mount a serious charge.
The Illini finished with 14 triples in the contest, a season high for a Northwestern opponent. Rayvonte Rice paced Illinois with 19 points.
The 'Cats wrap up their home season on Tuesday when they face Michigan on Senior Night. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. Fans should plan to arrive and be in their seats by 7:45 p.m. in time for pregame Senior Night ceremonies. Tickets are available at NUsports.com or by calling 888-GO-PURPLE.
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