March 7, 2009
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Norris Cole scored 26 points, including key shots in the closing two minutes, as Cleveland State rallied from behind to beat Illinois-Chicago 67-64 Friday in the second round of the Horizon League tournament.
Trailing 59-50 with 5:00 to go, Cleveland State (23-10) launched into a 13-3 run that put them back in the lead, 63-61, with Cole's layup with 2:02 remaining.
In the furious closing seconds, Cole made two free throws after being fouled as the Vikings held onto a slim lead and a win over the Flames.
Cleveland State plays Wisconsin-Green Bay in Saturday's semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
The Flames (16-15) never led during the first half. But they rallied in the second half, buoyed by Josh Mayo's 19 points. He ended the night with 24 points, while Robo Kreps added 16.