Jan 2, 2002

Final Stats

Illini Wrap - VIDEO | AUDIO
courtesy of WCIA-TV, Channel 3, Champaign

Post-game comments from Coach Bill Self - VIDEO | AUDIO

By JASON STRAIT
Associated Press Writer

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Brian Cook had 16 points and No. 7 Illinois shot 52 percent in the second half in a 76-53 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday night in the Big Ten Conference opener for both teams.

Illinois (12-2) led 34-25 at halftime and opened the second half with a 15-5 run for a 19-point lead over the Gophers (7-5). The Illini led by double digits the rest of the way.

For the first time in weeks, Illinois found other ways to score outside of Frank Williams creating the offense.

Williams, who averaged 24.7 points over the last six games, had eight points and four assists to lead a balanced attack for the Illini.

Instead of relying on Williams, Illinois looked down low to Cook and center Robert Archibald, who missed the previous game with a back injury. Archibald had 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting and blocked two shots.

Illinois finished with 22 assists against just 12 turnovers. Sean Harrington lead the Illini with seven assists and had nine points, all on 3-of-8 shooting from 3-point range.

Michael Bauer led the Gophers with 16 points.

The Illini were forced to play a small lineup because of injuries, but used a zone defense most of the game to hold the Minnesota size advantage in check.

With the inside taken away, the Gophers were unable to score from the perimeter, shooting 23 percent from 3-point range.

Minnesota took an early lead by working the ball down low to center Jerry Holman, who scored six of the Gophers' first 12 points. Holman finished with 10 points on 5-for-8 shooting.

The Illini made just one field goal over the opening 4:30 and missed their first four 3-point attempts. Trailing by six, Williams then hit two straight 3-pointers and Illinois went on a 24-7 run to take a 30-19 lead.

The Illini, shooting 35 percent on 3-pointers entering the game, took more 3-pointers in the first half (14) than they did shots inside the arc (13).

Forward Damjir Krupalija, the Illini's leading rebounder and top reserve, missed his second consecutive game with a foot injury. The Illini were also missing forward Lucas Johnson, out until February with a torn knee ligament.