Tracy Abrams' 3-point dagger with 15
seconds remaining helped Illinois pick up their second Top-25 victory
in the last four days, downing No. 18 Minnesota, 57-53, in a pivotal Big Ten
Conference matchup Sunday.
Tyler Griffey had 16 points and four rebounds and connected on 4-of-7 from
behind the arc for the Fighting Illini (17-8, 4-7 Big Ten), who were coming
off a victory versus No. 1-ranked Indiana on Thursday.
"I thought we had several people step up and make plays," Illinois coach John
Groce. "That is two games in a row where we were tough and able to weather
some adversity."
D.J. Richardson netted three 3-pointers en route to 13 points, as Illinois
came alive after an poor start to steal a conference road win. Abrams shot
just 2-of-9 from the floor, but finished with five points, six rebounds and
six assists.
Austin Hollins scored 16 points and Trevor Mbakwe registered a double-double
with 13 points and 10 boards for the Golden Gophers (17-7, 5-6), who lost
their second straight and sixth in their last eight overall following a
promising 15-1 start to the season.
