It wasn't quite the same major step backward like the 24-point loss at Iowa, but Illinois couldn't capitalize on a big win the next time out for the second time this month. Giving up too many easy looks to the Gophers hurt.
What it means
The Illini haven't won back-to-back games since December when they took down UNLV and East Tennessee State at State Farm Center. Inconsistency has reigned this season, and it did again Wednesday night in Minneapolis.
What's next
Illinois (6-15, 2-8 Big Ten) starts a three-game homestand at 1:15 p.m. Saturday against Nebraska.