STAYING IN TOUCH

After Trevor Mbakwe scored only 21 points and attempted only 15 shots during a three-game span against Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan State, he scored 13 points and took nine shots against Illinois. Staff writer Amelia Rayno looked at film from all four games to see how often he and other Gophers starters (aside from point guard Andre Hollins) touched the ball on offense:

Three games against Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan State: Austin Hollins, 133 touches; Joe Coleman, 124 touches; Rodney Williams, 104 touches; Trevor Mbakwe, 68 touches (only 28 of which came in or near the lane).

Against Illinois: Austin Hollins, 48 touches; Joe Coleman, 47 touches; Elliott Eliason, 31 touches; Trevor Mbakwe, 35 touches (17 of which came in or near the lane).