Feb. 21, 2006

Final Stats

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP)-- Daniel Horton scored 23 of his career-high 37 points in the second half, rallying Michigan to a 72-64 victory over No. 8 Illinois on Tuesday night.

Courtney Sims added 13 points for the Wolverines (18-7, 8-6 Big Ten), the only team to top 70 points against Illinois this season. Last month, Michigan lost 79-74 against the Fighting Illini at Champaign.

The Wolverines snapped an 11-game losing streak against Illinois, dating back to Jan. 2000, and beat a ranked opponent for the third time in less than a month. Michigan defeated then No. 11 Michigan State and then-No. 23 Wisconsin in late January.

James Augustine scored 23 points and Dee Brown added 20 for the Illini (22-5, 8-5) who had a two-game winning streak snapped. Three of Illinois' five losses have come on the road.

After trailing 34-30 at halftime, Michigan's started strong at the start of the second half. The Wolverines hit five straight 3-pointers, including three by Horton, to take the lead.

The Illini twice tied the game, the last at 57-all with 5:46 remaining. The Wolverines maintained control and built a 64-60 lead with 64 seconds left.

Augustine pulled Illinois with 66-64 on two free throws with 45.7 seconds to play. However, Horton sealed the win by hitting six free throws in the final 43 seconds.

Both teams played a sloppy first half. Illinois led most of the half, giving up the lead only once and forcing 11 Michigan turnovers. Horton kept the game from turning into an Illini blowout at the start by scoring the Wolverines first 9 points.

Michigan coach Tommy Amaker got his first win against Illinois after losing the first 12 matchups against the Illini -- including his time at Seton Hall.

Michigan played without starters Lester Abram (sprained ankle) and Chris Hunter (knee injury). Reserve Amadou Ba sat out against Illinois and will sit out half of the Feb. 25 game at Ohio State for being involved in an altercation with a fan before last weekend's game at Michigan State.