One victory means everything when you're at the bottom of the Big Ten standings and winless in the league.
But it was even more critical for the Gophers men's basketball team to pick up its first conference win Saturday against Illinois.
The road from here to end the slide will be even tougher after Minnesota's losing streak extended to nine following a 76-71 overtime loss to the Illini at Williams Arena.
Malcolm Hill had 28 points and 10 rebounds for Illinois (10-10, 2-6), which went on a 16-0 run in the second half and overtime after trailing by five points with two minutes left in regulation.