'High risk, high reward' system key to Illini's first league win

Illinois forward Kipper Nichols grabs a loose ball next to Minnesota center Daniel Oturu (25) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Champaign, Ill., Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Rick Danzl)CHAMPAIGN — Jon Crispin must have been feeling prescient ahead of Wednesday night's Big Ten showdown between Illinois and Minnesota.

The former Penn State and UCLA guard turned Big Ten Network analyst called it a "perfect matchup" for the Illini because of their pressure defense and the Gophers' lack of a true point guard.

It was "a great opportunity to start to turn the corner and pick up some of those close wins" Crispin said about Illinois' chances. He was right about…