Illinois routs Minnesota, 95-68

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It took six games, but Illinois got its first conference win of the year — and in blowout fashion.

With the Orange Krush back for the first time in over a month, Illinois trounced Minnesota, 95-69, on Wednesday night at State Farm Center. A hot start, great defense, an emphasis on the glass, and NBA-level talent was more than enough for the Illini (5-12, 1-5) to find the winner’s column.

With the help of some underclassmen, Illinois raced out to a huge, early lead over the Golden Gophers (13-4, 3-3). In fact, it was the freshmen and Trent Frazier who posted the first 18 points for the Illini. The freshmen duo of Ayo Dosunmu and Giorgi Bezhanishvili outscored Minnesota by…