Jan. 28, 2001

Box Score

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-- The Illini evened their record at 10-10 while improving to 5-3 in the Big Ten after an 88-81 victory over Minnesota today in Minneapolis.

Holly Wilson controlled the opening tip, and the Illini did not look back as they dominated the first half, leading by as many as 16 with 4:59 remaining in the first. The Illinois offense took control in the first period behind 10 points from Shavonna Hunter and nine for Allison Curtin. The Illini held a 53-43 advantage at halftime.

Both teams came out of the break a little sluggish. Poor shooting combined with four Illinois turnovers in the first five minutes of the second half allowed the Gophers to come within four points of the lead at 68-64, but Illinois held off the comeback attempt. Minnesota continued to play well in the second half, but the Gophers never came within three points of the lead.

Five members of the Illinois squad scored in double figures today. Curtin led the Illini with 19 points, while Iveta Marcauskaite came off the bench to add 16. Dawn Vana continued to shoot well adding 14 points followed by Hunter and Anne O'Neil with 13 points each. For the game, the Illini shot 55.9 percent (33-59) from the field.

Lindsay Whalen and Lindsay Lieser paced the Gophers as they combined for 47 points. Whalen went 10-17 from the floor, while Lieser hit 7-15 from behind the arc for 21 points.

The Illini remain on the road as they travel to West Lafayette, Ind. to take on Purdue, who is undefeated in conference play, on Thursday.

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