Richardson's buzzer-beating three lifts Illinois (VIDEO)

• D.J. Richardson hit a three-pointer at the overtime buzzer to lift Illinois over Hawaii, 78-77
• Illinois came back from a 16-point second-half deficit in the win
• Brandon Paul scored 25 points for Illinois while Vander Joaquim scored 22 for Hawaii

HONOLULU (AP) — D.J. Richardson drained a 3-pointer at the overtime buzzer, capping a comeback from a 16-point second-half deficit and giving Illinois a wild 78-77 victory over Hawaii on Friday night.

Richardson's buzzer-beater followed one by Hawaii's Vander Joaquim, who hit a jumper at the end of regulation to force overtime. Before that, Brandon Paul's basket with 2:08 to play had given the Illini (3-0) their first lead of the game.

The teams traded baskets in the extra session before Jace Tavita made one of two free throws to give the Warriors (3-1) a 77-75 lead with 7 seconds left and set the scene for Richardson, who finished with 16 points.

Brandon Paul scored 25 points, including five 3-pointers, for Illinois, and Tracy Abrams added 22. The Illini improved to 7-0 against Hawaii.

Joaquim led the Warriors with 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Brandon Spearman added 20 points and nine boards.

Illinois in-bounded the ball for the final play with just 7.6 seconds left on the clock and down two. Watch as Abrams slashes to the hoop and draws Richardson's defender in before dishing it off to Richardson in the left corner, who got the shot off with just a few tenths of a second to spare.

Video courtesy of Illinois Athletics: