After Alfonso Plummer’s 3-pointer at 13:05, Illinois led 18 to Northwestern. But Northwestern came back with a 19-2 win to tie the score at one with 6:16 left.
Cockburn, a 7-foot center, was asked by the Illini (18-6, 11-3 Big Ten), for his opinion. He scored six consecutive points to give them a lead of 61-56 with 4:19 left. Cockburn scored the final three points for the team.
Cockburn said that he had six turnovers, a career record, and tied the Illinois record held by Skip Thoren (1963-1965). It’s all about focus, slowing down the game and not hurrying things, and being strong with the ball. I was frustrated and so were these guys. We will learn from this.”
After a week of losses, the Illini are now in sole possession for first place in Big Ten.
Ty Berry, who was on the bench, led the Wildcats (12-11 and 5-9 Big Ten). He scored 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting. This included 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range. Chase Audige scored 12 points, while Pete Nance added 10.
Chris Collins, Northwestern coach, said that “(Cockburn), is just so tough to play against.” “There is no one in the country like him with such a force and that size. It puts you under a lot pressure in many ways.”
Illinois led by 44-30 at halftime due to its 9-of-16 3-point shooting in the first half. This included four treys by Plummer and two from freshman RJ Malendez.
Plummer scored 19 points in the game, including 5 of 11 3-point attempts. Melendez had a career high of 14 points and six rebounds.
Melendez stated that “my style of play has changed a lot.” “Just being there with the vets at practice, going at them, protecting them because it’s going make me better. I want to learn everything possible.”
Cockburn provided a bucket, and then Omar Payne’s and Melendez’s dunks helped Illinois to build an 18 point lead before the under-12 timeout. Payne blocked an Elyjah Williams shot, and Coleman Hawkins began the Illini on a fastbreak. This provided a smooth platform for a Melendez jump that made it 50-32 with just 14:37 left to play.
Northwestern continued its run.
BIG PICTURE
Northwestern: The Wildcats can be tough to beat. Although they may not be as powerful as the elite league teams, there is still a chance to finish the season higher than.500. There are six games left and Nebraska, Minnesota (twice), and Penn State remain on the schedule.
Illinois: Illinois’s Illini have won 25 of their 29 Big Ten games. Although the team can be susceptible to offensive lulls Cockburn is the best security blanket in the court. Plummer and other perimeter threats continue to exploit the star center’s space.
NEXT
Northwestern hosts Purdue Wednesday
Illinois: Wednesday at Rutgers
