The game ended in bizarre fashion, with Marcus Liberty committing a needless foul against Jackson, with 5.6 seconds left and the score tied at 104.

Placed Marcus Liberty, forward, on the injured list.

Ken Battle and Marcus Liberty scored 17 points each for the Illiini.

The Illini got a big emotional lift from Marcus Liberty, a 6-8 sophomore, who started in place of Battle and scored 14 points.

Marcus Liberty, the 6-8 swingman returning from Proposition 48 banishment, could give this team an incredible lift.

Marcus Liberty scored 25 points, all in the second half, and Kendall Gill scored 21 for the Illini (18-6, 8-6).

Marcus Liberty led Illinois with 23 points.

Marcus Liberty (born October 27, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois) is a retired American professional basketball player.

But Illinois responded with four baskets: two by Anderson and one each by Larry Smith and Marcus Liberty.

Marcus Liberty scored 8 consecutive points as the Illini opened a 56-52 edge with 7:45 left and Illinois stretched it to 65-58 with 3:21 left.