University of Minnesota Athletics
ILLINOIS DEFEATS GOLDEN GOPHER MEN
2/17/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
In the first half, Rychart scored the first two points of the game, before Illinois' Frank Williams scored to tie the game. The Fighting Illini took a 10-6 lead, before Kevin Burleson hit a three to pull within one. The rest of the first half would see Illinois build small leads and the Golden Gophers showing heart and coming back. At one point, Illinois had a two-point lead before building it into a five point lead as the two teams went into the lockerroom. Burleson led the half for the Golden Gophers, scoring 11 points.
In the second half, Illinois scored the first two points to take a 41-36 lead but Minnesota came back and scored six points to pull within 45-42, but from then on, it was all Illinois as the Fighting Illini would build leads as large as 11 points. But the Golden Gophers showed heart down the stretch and pulled within four points, before Illinois made five of six free throws and won the game, 89-80.
The Golden Gophers were led by Rychart, who scored 20 points and Burleson, who scored 15 points. Freshman Shane Schilling and Mitch Ohnstad scored 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Illinois was led by Frank Williams, who scored 20 points and Lucas Johnson, who scored 18 points. The Fighting Illini outrebounded the Golden Gophers, 37-34.
The Golden Gophers hit the road on Feb. 19 when they travel to Purdue for a game against the Boilermakers. Their next four games will be on the road before the Golden Gophers return to Williams Arena to play Ohio State on either March 4 or 5.
