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MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Illinois got more of a battle than it might have expected, but the fifth-ranked Fighting Illini held off upset-minded Minnesota, 67-59, to gain a share of the Big Ten Conference regular-season title. Illinois (23-6, 13-3 Big Ten) tied Michigan State for the top spot, but will have the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament based on its win over the Spartans. Bill Self became just the second Illinois first-year head coach to win a Big Ten championship, joining Doug Rose, who accomplished the feat in 1937. While the Fighting Illini wore down the Golden Gophers in the final minutes, they found themselves behind, 44-39, midway through the second half. Illinois gained control by holding Minnesota (17-12, 5-11) without a field goal for more than six minutes. The Illini took the lead for good, 54-52, on a layup by Frank Williams with 4:23 remaining. After Travarus Bennett made a 3-pointer for the Golden Gophers, Brian Cook scored five points in a 7-1 run that gave Illinois a 61-54 edge with 1:48 to play. Williams scored 15 points and Sean Harrington added 13 off the bench for the Illini, who overcame 36 percent (20-of-55) shooting from the field by making 20-of-23 free throws. Cook added 11 for Illinois, including two crucial baskets down the stretch following offensive rebounds. Terrance Simmons had 19 points and Dusty Rychart contributed 10 for Minnesota, which closed the regular season by losing nine of its final 11 games. The Golden Golphers led, 31-30, at the half despite falling behind, 14-2, in the opening minutes. Sunday's contest could be a preview of a Big Ten quarterfinal matchup. Minnesota and Purdue will meet in the first round on Thursday, with the winner facing Illinois in the next round. The Illini have a first-round bye. Battling for a possible No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Illinois won seven of its final eight regular-season games. The only loss during that stretch was a 63-61 setback at Ohio State on February 22.
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