CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — Illinois used a strong second half to pull away from Minnesota for a 77-67 men’s basketball victory Saturday at State Farm Center.

The game was tied 34-34 at halftime before the Fighting Illini outscored the Golden Gophers 43-33 after the break. The win improved Illinois’ record to 15-3 overall, while Minnesota fell to 10-8. A crowd of 15,544 watched the conference game. Illinois, a heavy pregame favorite, covered the spread as the total score went under the projected over/under line.