CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The fifth-ranked Fighting Illini men's gymnastics team will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday, February 10, for a dual meet against No. 6 Minnesota. UI faced off against the Golden Gophers in the annual Windy City Invitational last month. The Illini won the event (404.300), while Minnesota finished second (401.400).
Scouting the Gophers
Minnesota enters the weekend with a 5-1 record on the season, having earned victories over UIC, Air Force, the UMN club team and Iowa (2x). A week ago, the Gophers posted the third-best overall team score in the nation en route to a (413.250-400.450) victory over No. 11 Air Force.
Minnesota's lone defeat of the season came against the Illini.
Last Time Out
The Orange and Blue topped No. 10 Iowa (404.700-401.850) in a road dual meet a week ago, as the Illini won four of the six events, including senior Brandon Ngai's 18th career pommel horse title.
Sophomore Sebastian Quiana earned his first event title of the season and third of his career with a 14.300 on floor exercise, while junior Alex Diab moved into a tie for 7th place all-time in school history with his 13th career still rings title (14.550). Senior Tyson Bull also picked up his third high bar title of the season and 12th of his career, posting a 14.100.
Illini in the Rankings
Illinois sits at No. 5 in the latest CGA Coaches Poll, identical to its preseason ranking. The Orange and Blue also have three gymnasts currently ranked in the top three in the nation in their respective events. Brandon Ngai ranks No. 1 on pommel horse, while Tyson Bull (high bar) and Alex Diab (still rings) rank second and third, respectively.
Baker Named B1G Co-Gymnast of the Week
Following an impressive performance against Arizona State, which included three event titles and a nation-best 14.900 on vault, senior Bobby Baker was named Big Ten Co-Gymnast of the Week (Sean Melton, OSU). It is the fourth-time the Lemont, Illinois, native has earned the award in his Illini career.
Big Ten Preseason Poll
In the Big Ten Preseason Poll, Illinois was slated to finish third in the league for the fifth-consecutive season. A year ago, the Illini hosted the Big Ten Championships and finished second behind Ohio State. Senior Chandler Eggleston, the 2014 Big Ten Floor Exercise Champion, and Alex Diab, the only two-time Big Ten Still Rings Champion in program history, were named "Gymnasts to Watch" by the conference.
Returning All-Americans
Spring welcomes back five gymnasts that have garnered fourteen All-America honors over the course of their careers. Redshirt senior Chandler Eggleston (2x Floor, High Bar and Vault) and senior Bobby Baker (All-Around, Still Rings, Vault and Parallel Bars) have each earned the honor four times, while junior Alex Diab (2x Still Rings, High Bar) has earned All-America status three times during his time with the Orange and Blue. Senior Brandon Ngai has earned the honor twice on Pommel Horse and senior Tyson Bull garnered All-America status on High Bar in 2016.
Up Next
The Illini will get set for the annual Winter Cup, held in Las Vegas. The three day meet will begin on Thursday, February 15, and conclude on Saturday, February 17.
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