Illini fall to Rutgers, have now lost 4 of 6
Will Riley led Illinois (15-8, 7-6) with 20 points, and Ben Humrichous had 14.
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Will Riley led Illinois (15-8, 7-6) with 20 points, and Ben Humrichous had 14.
Jalen Leach had 23 points for the Wildcats (12-9, 3-7). Nick Martinelli had 16 points and 10 rebounds and Brooks Barnhizer added 10.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against this summer over a growing hazing scandal involving the football program and several other sports.
Cam Spencer scored 18 points and Simpson 13 for the ninth-seeded Scarlet Knights (19-13)
Northwestern beat Rutgers for the second time in the last seven match-ups, but the Wildcats lead the overall series 12-7.
Makira Cook scored 24 points, Genesis Bryant added 21, and the Illini thumped Rutgers.
The 11th-seeded Scarlet Knights (12-19) take on six-seed Illinois on Thursday.
Illinois (17-7, 8-5 Big Ten) trailed 47-41 with 14 1/2 minutes left before Hawkins' 3-pointer started a 19-0 run.
Boo Buie had 13 points and seven assists and Ty Berry also scored 13 points for Northwestern.