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'High risk, high reward' system key to Illini's first league win

CHAMPAIGN — Jon Crispin must have been feeling prescient ahead of Wednesday night's Big Ten showdown between Illinois and Minnesota.

The former Penn State and UCLA guard turned Big Ten Network analyst called it a "perfect matchup" for the Illini because of their pressure defense and the Gophers' lack of a true point guard.

It was "a great opportunity to start to turn the corner and pick up some of those close wins" Crispin said about Illinois' chances. He was right about everything except the part about it being close.

Illinois held nearly every advantage.

Shooting.