This wasn’t an ugly game, for the most part. Illinois was keeping up with Minnesota for much of the night. Illinois jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead, but the Golden Gophers narrowed that gap and tied the game at 9-9.
No one could get a hold of this game. The score kept going back and forth between each team. Overall, there were 16 lead changes – 11 in favor of Illinois and five in favor of Minnesota – and nine ties throughout the first half. Trent Frazier ended up hitting a three-pointer as time expired to take the halftime lead, 39-37.