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Hard to tell what to make of this game. After what was literally an historically bad first half against the Gophers and a ridiculous second half that saw Bill Cole sink five threes and the Illini scoring 46 points in the second half. 14 and 46? Confusing to say the least.

• Bill Cole said there was no indication as to why the Illini came out so cold shooting in the first half. "they hopped on us from the start and by the time we made our rally it was too late."
• Cole: "Everyone knows to beat a zone you have to shoot. You can't go 0-11 in the first half and break a zone"
• 9-25 from three was indeed what brought the Illini back in the second half, but it was complimented by a much more active defensive effort from the Illini guards. They forced 11 turnovers on the Gophers.
• For the first time it seems also, the Illini were able to actually capitalize off of those TOs scoring 13 off of the Gophers mistakes. Basically, with the exception of defense, the Illini did everything right in the second half.
• With 3 games against RPI top 50 opponents, this was obviously not last game the Illini will have to build their resume. It was, however, the last chance to get a "easy" win.  As a loss it doesn't weigh on the Illini like earlier losses, it does however put a much greater amount of pressure on the Illini to win at least one of their next three games, and at this point, possibly two, depending on how other bubble teams perform.

So, needless to say, this game is a disappointment.  I don't know how often you can expect to shoot so poorly coming out against a zone however. The Illini ended the game with  32% from the field, a number exacerbated by the fact that they were 7-31 in the first half, even on their blistering comeback, the still shot sub 40%. For a team that averages 46% over the course of the season, and has held their Big Ten opponents below 40% this game is clearly an aberration shooting wise.  The Illini in this game benefited from +10 offensive rebounds and 3 fewer turnovers, the end result being the Illini taking an astonishing 24 more shots than the Gophers. To go with the poor shooting %, the Illini were also plagued by fouls, the Illini were in double-bonus since the 5:30 mark and had two players fouls out. If the Illini shoot even a little better in the first half, or commit 1 fewer unnecessary foul early on, the numbers all favor the Illini. That is how you lose by 2 to Minnesota, taking that many more shots. I just don't see the Illini shooting that poorly against a zone again. Of course, I could be wrong, and the quick turnaround with Ohio State on Tuesday could prove me wrong.