Sometimes the ball won’t fall through the net. When Minnesota traveled to Champaign for Thursday’s showdown with No. 19 Illinois, opportunties kept clanking off the rim. During a game filled with shooting valleys, the Gophers and Fighting Illini both shot under 31 percent in the first half. However, when it was needed most, Illinois caught fire. A 13-2 second-half run sparked the Fighting Illini’s 59-51 victory over Minnesota.
Guard Andres Feliz led the way with 17 points and eight rebounds. Center Kofi Cockburn added 13 points and 10 rebounds, including two key free throws in the final minutes.