Illini stay hot at home with win over Rutgers

Illinois Fighting Illini (2004 - 2013)

CHAMPAIGN—Kendrick Nunn scored 21 points and Malcolm Hill added 15 to help Illinois survive a late rally against struggling Rutgers, 66-54 on Tuesday.Illinois led by as many as 17, but Rutgers closed to within eight at 62-54 with 2:36 to play on a 3-pointer by Kadeem Jack.With the Scarlet Knights forced to foul, Nunn hit a pair of free throws with 53 seconds left to open the lead back to a safe 10, 64-54.Ahmad Starks added 13 points off the bench and Leron Black had 12 for Illinois (15-8, 5-5 Big Ten).Rutgers has now lost seven straight.Jack led Rutgers (10-14, 2-9) with 17 points and nine rebounds. Myles Mack added 16 points and six rebounds.Rutgers’ Bishop Daniels fouled out with 53 seconds to play.