No, the Gophers didn't win. The final score was almost stretched to double digits again, and Illinois went on a 10-2 run at the end to put the Gophers away. But the Gophers proved a lot of things in their double-overtime fight against the Illini – a team that was ranked until their loss to Missouri last week. The Gophers didn't win, but they did show they're not exactly the pushover some predicted. Some quick notes from the game:
- Ralph Sampson III had by far his best game of the year, despite his sluggish start. The senior lifted the team to overtime and finished with a game-high 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
- Rodney Williams had eight points and seven rebounds, but a weaker game in general – and fouled out at the end.
- The Gophers went on an 18-6 run in the second half to tie the game before Sampson held it close to get to overtime.
- Julian Welch had a hot-and-cold game, looking erratic at first and at the end, but finding some big shots near the end of regulation.
- Andre Hollins, who came off the bench, scored the most points he has in six games, with nine.
- The Gophers forced 21 turnovers, but only turned those into 16 points
