Arizona Wildcats
84
Illinois Fighting Illini 72
In a game atmosphere that felt much like their epic 2005 Elite Eight game, Arizona rallied back from a 16-point deficit in the first half to beat Illinois 84-72 in the second game of the Basketball Hall of Fame Challenge.
"Illinois is a big-time team," said freshman star Chase Budinger, who led Arizona with 22 points and eight rebounds. "They always have a great program. It really tested us to see where we were as a team and as a program."
The Wildcats struggled to match Illinois' physical play early in the game, but scored 12 unanswered points midway through the second half to take the lead. Despite blowing their early advantage, Illinois was still in a position to rally only trailing 74-70 with 1:14 to go in the game but an intentional foul on the Illini on the ensuing possession sealed the win for the Cats.
"I think everyone got their money's worth," said Arizona coach Lute Olson. "It was a really exciting basketball game."
Warren Carter lead the Illini with 24 points and 10 rebounds but was hampered by foul trouble in the second half.
Illinois Fighting Illini 72
In a game atmosphere that felt much like their epic 2005 Elite Eight game, Arizona rallied back from a 16-point deficit in the first half to beat Illinois 84-72 in the second game of the Basketball Hall of Fame Challenge.
"Illinois is a big-time team," said freshman star Chase Budinger, who led Arizona with 22 points and eight rebounds. "They always have a great program. It really tested us to see where we were as a team and as a program."
The Wildcats struggled to match Illinois' physical play early in the game, but scored 12 unanswered points midway through the second half to take the lead. Despite blowing their early advantage, Illinois was still in a position to rally only trailing 74-70 with 1:14 to go in the game but an intentional foul on the Illini on the ensuing possession sealed the win for the Cats.
"I think everyone got their money's worth," said Arizona coach Lute Olson. "It was a really exciting basketball game."
Warren Carter lead the Illini with 24 points and 10 rebounds but was hampered by foul trouble in the second half.
