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CHAMPAIGN, Illinois (Ticker) -- Brian Cook made sure Assembly Hall remains unfriendly territory for Big Ten Conference opponents. Cook scored 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting as seventh-ranked Illinois extended its home winning streak to 25 games with a 76-53 victory over Minnesota in the Big Ten opener for both schools. The Fighting Illini (12-2, 1-0 Big Ten) also have won 15 straight league games at Assembly Hall, where Minnesota is just 17-62 all-time. Illinois overcame an off night by Frank Williams, getting 14 points apiece from Robert Archibald and Cory Bradford. Williams had just eight points on 2-of-6 shooting after averaging nearly 25 points in his previous six games. Michael Bauer scored 16 points and Jerry Holman had 10 off the bench for the Golden Gophers (7-5, 0-1), who have lost six straight on the road dating to last season. A jumper by Dusty Rychart capped an 8-0 run that gave Minnesota an early lead. After making just one basket over the opening 4 1/2 minutes, Illinois stormed back with a 24-7 burst and built a 30-19 lead. The Fighting Illini took a 34-25 cushion into the locker room, despite 44 percent (12-of-27) shooting from the field. They started the second half with a 15-5 run and led by at least 20 points most of the rest of the way. The Golden Gophers struggled from the perimeter, making just 3-of-13 3-pointers while Illinois was 8-of-22 from beyond the arc. The Illini also outscored Minnesota from the free-throw line, 20-6. Archibald bounced back from missing the Illini's last game with back problems. But Illinois was without leading rebounder Damir Krupalija, who missed his second straight game with an injured foot. |
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