The unranked Illinois Fighting Illini secured their second victory over a top 25 team this week by beating the No. 18 Minnesota Golden Gophers, 57-53, on Sunday in Minneapolis, Minn.
No. 18 Minnesota vs. Illinois final score: Illini upset Golden Gophers, 57-53
Tracy Abrams’ three-point jumper with 18 seconds remaining secured Illinois’ second victory over a ranked team this week.
Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
For more on this game, head over to The Champaign Room.
Tyler Griffey capped off a week to remember with 16 points off the bench for the Ilini, who overcame double-digit deficits on two separate occasions in the opening half. Griffey's layup at the buzzer gave Illinois the win over Indiana earlier in the week, but it was Tracy Abrams who came up with the big shot to beat Minnesota.
Abrams hit a contested three-pointer with 18 seconds remaining to give the Illini a two-possession lead. He was just 1-for-7 from the field before the clutch jumper.
Illinois (17-8, 4-7 Big Ten) now has five victories over teams currently in the AP Top 25. While that may not get the Illini into the polls this week, it will certainly bolster their tournament resume.
Andre Hollins led Minnesota (17-7, 5-6 Big Ten) with 16 points, while Trevor Mbakwe added 13 points and 10 rebounds.
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