Illinois gets back on track with win over Minnesota

Matthew Mayer had a team-high 22 factors and added seven rebounds as Illinois defeated Minnesota 78-69 to finish a two-game skid and win its fourth straight at State Farm Heart on Monday night time. 

Mayer made 7 of 14 pictures with two three-pointers and grabbed seven rebounds for the Preventing Illini (18-9, 9-7 Massive Ten), who snapped a two-game skid. Jayden Epps sank 4 of 6 from past the arc and scored 17. Coleman Hawkins added 16 factors and 7 boards, whereas Dain Dainja scored 12. RJ Melendez pitched in with 10 factors and 11 rebounds.

Jamison Battle scored a season-high 31 for the Golden Gophers (7-18, 1-14). Battle hit 11 of 20 pictures with 4 three-pointers, including six rebounds and three assists. Dawson Garcia added 18 factors and eight rebounds, whereas Joshua Ola-Joseph scored 11 on 5-of-6 capturing.

Hawkins hit two-three-pointers and scored 11 to assist Illinois lead 35-29 at halftime. Garcia scored 12 on 6-of-10 capturing to maintain Minnesota shut. Mayer’s layup gave Illinois a 4-2 lead 91 seconds in and the Preventing Illini upped their benefit to 26-14 with 5:50 left.

Battle answered with a three-pointer and Garcia sank a jumper to cap a 15-6 run because the Golden Gophers pulled inside three earlier than Hawkins buried a three-pointer for the halftime margin. 

Epps hit two three-pointers and scored the primary eight factors of the second half to push the Illinois result in 43-29 with 17:29 remaining. Jaden Henley ended Epps’ run with a dunk, however Minnesota would get no nearer than eight from there.

UP NEXT

Illinois: The Preventing Illini host No. 21 Northwestern on Thursday.

Minnesota: The Golden Gophers journey to play Maryland on Wednesday.