Suspensions leave Gophers understaffed and with just six scholarship players for game.
Coming into the game, the Minnesota Golden Gophers were already behind the 8-ball due to personnel issues, suiting up only six scholarship players, and relying on walk-ons to fill the backcourt. Despite a strong first half, Minnesota was unable to recreate the magic for the latter 20 minutes, and saw their short winning streak snapped in a 84-71 loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini, who completed the season sweep.
Even before the game started the Gophers were between a rock and a hard place, with essentially their entire backcourt suspended for the game due to violations of team rules.