Illini Fall to Minnesota
By Jeff Mayfield

[February 06, 2017]  The Illinois Fighting Illini went cold in the second half, dug themselves a big hole, and never recovered on their way to a disappointing 68-59 loss to Minnesota. Illinois only shot 38% from the field for the game and their struggling shooting touch carried over at the free throw line where they hit at only a 64% rate.

Kipper Nichols was the high point man for the Illini with a career-high 16 points. Malcolm Hill tossed in 13 points with 4 rebounds and Maverick Morgan also had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Illinois came up short in virtually every major statistical category including committing ten turnovers doubling the Gophers’ miscues!

With the win, Minnesota got back on track in their quest to get their record in shape for a possible NCAA bid. Illinois’ hopes for that faded a while ago.

Illinois will travel Tuesday for a date with Northwestern and return to the State Farm Center hosting Penn State on Saturday.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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