The Illini were fresh off a COVID pause, but it didn’t seem to bother Brad Underwood’s team a bit.
After not playing for 13 days, Illinois turned it on from the opening tip in a 76-53 win over Minnesota at Williams Arena on Tuesday night.
The Illini last suited up against Missouri for the Braggin’ Rights game on Dec. 22, a game they won by 25. They were scheduled to host Florida A&M on Dec. 29, but that game was canceled because of Illinois’ COVID outbreak.
Against the Gophers, Illinois (10-3, 3-0 Big Ten) came storming out of the gates to the tune of 65% from the field and nailing four of its first six three-point attempts.