(Sports Network) - Mike Davis scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Illinois Fighting Illini to a 71-62 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten Conference tussle at Williams Arena.

Demetri McCamey also scored 17 points for the Fighting Illini (16-8, 6-5 Big 10), while Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The Golden Gophers (16-8,5-7) were paced by Trevor Mbakwe, who tallied 17 points and 16 rebounds in a losing effort. Ralph Sampson III also got involved, netting 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Blake Hoffarber checked in with 15 points for Minnesota.

Despite shooting just 9-of-30 from the floor in the first half, Illinois still managed to take a a 30-29 lead at the break.

The Fighting Illini put the game away in the second stanza, knocking down 50 percent from the floor, en route to a nine-point victory.

Free throw shooting proved to be the difference in this contest as Illinois outscored Minnesota 23-10 from the charity stripe.