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Ohio State claims victory in physical game against Fighting Illini, 87-81

By News Jan 17, 2021 | 8:38 AM

E.J. Liddell scored 26 points and No. 21 Ohio State beat No. 14 Illinois 87-81 in their Big Ten matchup. The game was very physical, mostly in the second half, including one technical foul called on Ohio State’s Duane Washington Jr. The officials had to step in many times to avoid fights. Washington’s Justin Ahrens and Seth Towns each added 11 for the visiting Buckeyes, bringing their record to 11-3. Ohio State was missing injured guards C.J. Walker and Jimmy Sotos. Ayo Dosunmu led Illinois with 22 points, however, the Illini still fell to 9-5.

Elsewhere, Tre King scored 24 points, Wendell Green Jr. had nine of his 17 points in overtime, and Eastern Kentucky stretched its winning streak to seven games, defeating Eastern Illinois 93-85. King was 9-of-17 shooting with three 3-pointers. Green made two 3-pointers and was 3 of 4 from the free-throw line in the extra period. Curt Lewis added 18 points for Eastern Kentucky (12-2, 6-1 Ohio Valley Conference).  The Colonels’ Michael Moreno finished with 10 points and hit a deep 3-pointer from the top of the arc with 2.4 seconds left to force overtime tied at 74. Marvin Johnson had 20 points for the Panthers (5-8, 2-4).

In another game, Tate Hall scored a season-high 24 points as Loyola of Chicago extended its home win streak to seven games, topping Northern Iowa 72-57. Marquise Kennedy had 10 points for Loyola of Chicago. Keith Clemons added 10 points with five assists. The Ramblers turned the ball over just five times and scored 30 points off 18 Northern Iowa turnovers. Austin Phyfe had 18 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks for the Panthers. Bowen Born added 10 points, and Noah Carter had 10 points.