Andre Hollins finished with
28 points and five assists as the Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated
the Illinois Fighting Illini, 79-71, in Big Ten Conference action
at Williams Arena.
Carlos Morris tallied 16 points, while Maurice Walker finished with
a double- double of 12 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota (13-8,
2-6 Big Ten). Nate Mason contributed 10 points and six assists,
although he shot just 1-of-7 from the floor. Since dropping five
straight, the Golden Gophers have now won two of their last three.
Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn scored 18 points apiece for Illinois
(13-8, 3-5). Jaylon Tate finished with 11 points and nine assists,
while Leron Black pulled down nine rebounds. This was the third
failed attempt by Illinois to win consecutive games since late
December.
Minnesota held a slim 33-30 lead going into halftime after shooting
43.5 percent from the field in the first half, including 6-of-14
from 3-point range. The Fighting Illini were held to a 32.3
shooting percentage but remained in the hunt with a 5-of-11 showing
on the perimeter.
Illinois improved in the second half as it converted 43.3 percent
of its shot attempts, including 6-of-13 from beyond the arc. But
Minnesota also shot better in the final period as it knocked down
50.0 percent of their field goal attempts, as well as 15-of-21 at
the free-throw line in order to hold off the Illini.
In a game that featured 10 ties and 21 lead changes, the difference
in the meeting took place at the charity stripe where Minnesota
enjoyed a 22-14 advantage.
