News Local/State

Shorthanded Illini Fall On The Road To Minnesota 79-71

 
Illini Head Coach John Groce during Saturday's loss

Illinois head coach John Groce calls out to his players during the second half of Saturday's loss to Minnesota, 77-71 (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

Andre Hollins helped Minnesota pull away with 17 of his 28 points in the second half, fueling a 79-71 victory Saturday over Illinois.

Hollins finished 10 for 15 from the field, including 5 for 7 from 3-point range, and had five assists for the Golden Gophers (13-8, 2-6 Big Ten). Carlos Morris had 13 of his 16 points in the first half, Mo Walker chipped in 12 points and 13 rebounds and Nate Mason added 10 points and six assists.

Hollins has 80 points in his last three games, an average of 26.7 points per contest.

Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn each scored 18 points for the depleted Fighting Illini (13-8, 3-5), who played their third game in the last seven days.

Jaylon Tate added 11 points and nine assists, but the Illini ran out of steam down the stretch with a rotation that's only seven deep right now.