Minnesota Vs. Illinois: Golden Gophers Hope To Get Back On Track Against Fighting Illini

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By Brian Packey - Newsdesk contributor

For more on the Golden Gophers, visit SB Nation's The Daily Gopher. For more on the Fighting Illini, visit SB Nation's Hail to the Orange.

Jan 28, 2012 - The Minnesota Golden Gophers (15-6, 3-5) host the Illinois Fighting Illini (15-5, 4-3) in a rematch of their Big Ten opener which went into double overtime.

In that game on December 27, Minnesota fought back from 12 down to force overtime and ultimately a second overtime before falling by nine. Minnesota is coming off a loss to No. 11 Michigan State after winning three straight, including a strong, resume boosting win vs. No. 8 Indiana at Assembly Hall.

Illinois has fallen off since beating No. 5 Ohio State; they've lost two straight and haven't looked anything like the team that upset the Buckeyes. Illinois currently sits in fifth in the Big Ten standings, just a game and a half out of first. Minnesota is three games out.

Tip off for tonight's game is at 8 p.m. and will be on the Big Ten Network.

For more on the Golden Gophers, visit SB Nation's The Daily Gopher. For more on the Fighting Illini, visit SB Nation's Hail to the Orange. If you're looking for general news and analysis on NCAA basketball, check out SB Nation's college basketball hub.