The Illinois Fighting Illini took a step back in their match up against top ten foe and conference opponent Minnesota Golden Gophers, losing by 17 points last night at Assembly Hall. This is the first home loss for the Illini and this came off a dominating performance against the Ohio State Buckeyes in their previous game.
Minnesota guard Joe Coleman scored a game high with 29 points shooting 10-16 from the field. Andre Hollins scored 22 points and dished out six assists. He also grabbed eight rebounds. Trevor Mbakwe had a double-double scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Brandon Paul scored 21 points for the Illini and had three steals. D.J. Richardson and Tracy Abrams both scored 14.
It was an ugly shooting night for the Illinois (14-3, 1-2 Big Ten) and great shooting night for Coleman and Minnesota (15-1, 3-0 Big Ten). The Gophers held the Illini to 12 percent shooting from behind the three which has been a valuable weapon for the Illini thus far.
The Gophers also moved the ball better getting nine more assist than the Illini and they out-rebounded the Illini 34-29. The Gophers defense played outstanding against Illinois and they took away probably their biggest weapon the three point shot.
It was a tough loss against an excellent Big Ten opponent. Illinois faces a very tough Wisconsin (11-4, 2-0 Big Ten) team in their next match-up and it will be in Madison, WI.
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