### Illinois Fighting Illini Continue Winning Streak with Victory Over Minnesota The No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team secured a 77-67 victory against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on January 17, 2026. This win marks Illinois' seventh consecutive victory, improving their record to 15-3 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten Conference. Key performances came from Zvonimir Ivisic, who scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds off the bench, and Keaton Wagler, who contributed 17 points. The Illini's strong performance was complemented by David Mirkovic's 12 points, all scored in the second half, and Tomislav Ivisic's 10 points. Minnesota's Jaylen Crocker-Johnson led his team with 22 points and eight rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Illinois' balanced attack [https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-illinois-score-af2be0b66461dc9e1ae615aba192e143, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/17/illinois-minnesota-big-ten-basketball]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Illinois defeated Minnesota 77-67. - This victory extends Illinois' winning streak to seven games. - The Illini's record now stands at 15-3 (6-1 Big Ten). 2. **Player Highlights** - Zvonimir Ivisic: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks. - Keaton Wagler: 17 points, continuing his streak of double-digit scoring games. - David Mirkovic: 12 points (all in the second half). - Tomislav Ivisic: 10 points. - Jaylen Crocker-Johnson (Minnesota): 22 points, 8 rebounds. 3. **Game Dynamics** - Illinois showcased a strong bench performance, particularly from Ivisic. - The Illini maintained control throughout the game, leveraging their depth and scoring efficiency. - Minnesota struggled to keep pace, despite a strong individual performance from Crocker-Johnson. ### Supporting Statistics and Performance Metrics - **Illinois Team Stats:** - Total Points: 77 - Rebounds: 36 (Ivisic leading with 9) - Bench Points: Significant contributions from Ivisic and others. - **Minnesota Team Stats:** - Total Points: 67 - Rebounds: 30 - Key Player: Jaylen Crocker-Johnson with 22 points. - **Winning Streak Context:** - Illinois has now won seven straight games, with Wagler scoring in double figures in ten consecutive games, highlighting his consistency and impact on the team's success [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/illini-snag-sixth-big-ten-193914650.html, https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/no_13_illinois_handles_minnesota_for_7th_straight_win/s1_17048_43345514]. ### Conclusion: Illinois' Path Forward **Illinois' victory over Minnesota reinforces their position as a formidable contender in the Big Ten.** 1. **Current Standing:** - The Illini are now 15-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play, showcasing their strong performance this season. 2. **Key Players:** - Ivisic and Wagler are emerging as crucial contributors, with Ivisic's bench performance proving vital. 3. **Next Steps:** - Illinois aims to maintain their momentum as they continue their season, with upcoming games that will test their depth and resilience. This victory not only solidifies Illinois' winning streak but also sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season as they strive for a strong finish in the Big Ten [https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/zvonimir-ivisic-scores-18-points-keaton-wagler-adds-17-as-no-13-illinois-beats-minnesota-77-67].