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Kofi Cockburn helps Illinois upset No. 5 Michigan

Posted at 12:06 AM, Dec 12, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-12 00:06:46-05

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Kofi Cockburn had 19 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks to help Illinois upset No. 5 Michigan 71-62 on Wednesday night.

The 7-foot freshman from Jamaica dominated game from the opening tip, making two dunks that brought the crowd to its feet.

Ayo Dosunmu added 14 points, Adres Feliz had 13 and Giorgi Bezhanishvili 12 for Illinois (7-3, 1-1 Big Ten).

Jon Teske scored 16 points for Michigan (8-3, 1-1). Eli Brooks and Isaiah Livers each scored 12 points.

With about four minutes left in the game, Cockburn hit a basket and was fouled. While celebrating, he inadvertently hit referee Lewis Garrison in the head and knocked him unconscious. Garrison's condition was not available, although he did leave the court under his own power. The rest of the game was played with two referees.

BIG PICTURE

Michigan: Struggled offensively against a smothering Illinois defense, shooting 44% from the field and only 17% from 3-point range. The Wolverines were outplayed under the basket, with Illinois scoring 44 points in the paint to Michigan's 26.

Illinois: After close losses to Miami and Maryland, in which the lIlini had the ball and a chance to win both, they showed they could close out a good team.

UP NEXT

Michigan: Hosts No. 10 Oregon on Saturday.

Illinois: Hosts Old Dominion on Saturday.