Spokesman-Review
National Basketball Association
BOXSCORE | RECAP
Illinois 78, Hawaii 77
When: 11:59 PM ET, Friday, November 16, 2012
Where: Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
Officials: # Mark Fulton, # Tony Padilla, # Chris Rastatter
Attendance: 7550

Illinois 78, Hawaii 77 (OT):
D.J. Richardson hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime and the visiting Illini rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to remain unbeaten.

Hawaii led by five with 2:40 left in overtime, but Richardson made two 3-pointers in the final minutes to complete the Illini comeback. Richardson's game-winning shot was reviewed by game officials to confirm that it was released before the final buzzer.

Vander Joaquim had 22 points and 11 rebounds for Hawaii (3-1), which led 41-28 at halftime. Chicago native Brandon Spearman added 20 points and nine boards.

Illinois (3-0) led 66-64 after Brandon Paul hit a 3-pointer with 1:47 remaining in regulation. Hawaii missed its next three shots and a free-throw attempt before Joaquim forced overtime with a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer.

Paul scored a game-high 25 points and Tracy Abrams tied a career high with 22 points for Illinois, which won despite being outrebounded 44-28.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The game was reminiscent of the teams’ last matchup in Hawaii in 2007, when the Illini fought back from a 13-point second-half deficit to win 79-77. … Hawaii fell to 0-7 all-time against Illinois. … Richardson finished with 16 points after not scoring in the first half.
Top Game Performances
 
Illinois   Hawaii
Brandon Paul 25 Scoring Vander Joaquim 22
Tracy Abrams 3 Assists Jace Tavita 7
D.J. Richardson 6 Rebounds Vander Joaquim 11
Brandon Paul 6 Free Throws Made Vander Joaquim 4
Tracy Abrams 5 Steals Garrett Jefferson 1
Nnanna Egwu 4 Blocks N/A
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Points FG% 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA Assists Rebounds Blocks Steals Turnovers
Illinois 78 42.2 11-31 13-20 8 28 8 8 9
Hawaii 77 40.9 6-14 17-31 14 44 0 2 16