Illinois vs. Hawaii recap: Buzzer-beater gives Fighting Illini 78-77 overtime victory

D.J. Richardson's three-pointer as time expired gave the Illinois Fighting Illini a stunning 78-77 overtime victory over the Hawaii Warriors late Friday night in Honolulu.

Richardson's buzzer-beater was the second of the night, as Hawaii's Vander Joaquim hit one at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime after Illinois had erased a 16-point second half deficit.

Hawaii (3-1) controlled most of the overtime period, leading by as many as five before several missed free throws allowed Illinois (3-0) to have a chance to tie or win it at the end.

Richardson, who had struggled with his outside shooting most of the night, finished with 16 points. Brandon Paul led the Illini with 25 points, while Tracy Abrams tied a career-high with 22 points.

Joaquim led the Warriors with 22 points and 11 rebounds, helping Hawaii dominate Illinois on the boards, 44-28. Chicago product Brandon Spearman added 20 points and nine rebounds for the Warriors.