Illinois center Maverick Morgan (22) is trapped by Minnesota forward Maurice Walker (15) and guard Andre Hollins (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Minneapolis, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
The Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Andre Hollins helped Minnesota pull away with 17 of his 28 points in the second half, fueling a 79-71 victory Saturday over Illinois.
Hollins finished 10 for 15 from the field, including 5 for 7 from 3-point range, and had five assists for the Golden Gophers (13-8, 2-6 Big Ten). Carlos Morris had 13 of his 16 points in the first half, Mo Walker chipped in 12 points and 13 rebounds and Nate Mason added 10 points and six assists.
Hollins has 80 points in his last three games, an average of 26.7 points per contest.
Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn each scored 18 points for the depleted Fighting Illini (13-8, 3-5), who played their third game in the last seven days. Jaylon Tate added 11 points and nine assists, but the Illini ran out of steam down the stretch with a rotation that's only seven deep right now.
Minnesota guard DeAndre Mathieu, bottom, drives against Illinois center Maverick Morgan, top, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Minneapolis, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
The Associated Press
Illinois forward Leron Black, top, pulls down a rebound over Minnesota guard Carlos Morris, bottom, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Minneapolis, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
The Associated Press
Illinois guard Ryan Schmidt warms up before an NCAA college basketball game against Minnesota in Minneapolis, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. Schmidt, the team's student manager, has been pressed into service for Illinois because of their injury-depleted roster. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
The Associated Press
Former Minnesota and NBA player Randy Breuer, left, joins Minnesota Athletic Director Norwood Teague, right, during a ceremony to retire Breuer's jersey at half-time of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois in Minneapolis, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
The Associated Press