Minnesota unveiled new benches at Williams Arena, the only positive takeaway in a blowout loss to Illinois 76-53. Eric Curry and Jamison Battle led all Minnesota scorers with 10 points. With the loss, the Gophers drop to 10-2 on the season and 1-2 in conference play.
To get the obvious out of the way, tonight’s game was an example of what happens when a talented team plays a much less talented team, and that less talented team has an off night shooting the ball. Credit Illinois, who will be very good this season for having a solid gameplan to take away Minnesota’s primary offensive options.