The 13 th ranked Fighting Illini look to bounce back after a disappointing loss last
time out verse Missouri. The Illini will open Big Ten Conference play tonight by
hosting the 6-0 Minnesota Golden Gophers at the State Farm center. This will be
Minnesota’s first road game of the season. The Gophers are led by Redshirt Junior
guard Marcus Carr who averages 23.8 pts per game and dishes out 6.2 assists. He
is the focal point of the Gophers offense. Minnesota also likes to get to the free
throw line as their 181 free throw attempts on the season ranks third in the
nation. It will be imperative for the Illini to communicate well on the defensive
end and play defense with their feet. Any mistake and the Gophers will capitalize.

The Illini will look to establish the scoring depth that brought them their victory at
Duke. Last time out verse Mizzou the Illini depended a bit too much on Ayo
Dosunmu. Dosunmu has been outstanding thus far this year averaging 24.8 pts,
7.7.rebs, and 5.2 assists. Dosunmu is the only player in college basketball
currently averaging over 20 pts, 6 rebs, and 5 assists per game, but he can’t do it
alone. Tonight will be a good test to see where this Illini team is at mentally and
could be their first step towards the top of the Big Ten standings. Tip off for the
Illini and Golden Gophers is scheduled for 6p CT on ESPN 2.