5. Illinois vs. Minnesota – January 16, 2019
Some people are going to look at the No. 5 spot and wonder what I am talking about. Illinois beat two ranked teams in No. 9 Michigan State and No. 13 Maryland in 2019, so why did I pick a victory over an unranked Minnesota program?
The wins over the two ranked teams were flash. These were the games that were fun to win but I don’t believe they would have happened without the victory over the Golden Gophers.
Illinois was coming into that January 16 matchup against Minnesota on a five-game losing streak and an overall record of 4-12. Starting 0-5 in the Big Ten is never fun either. Things were not looking great for the young Illini squad as the headed into a game against a tough 13-3 Minnesota bunch.
Records were thrown out the window early on in this game, though. You would have thought Illinois had the 13-3 record as the Illini stormed out to a 51-28 halftime lead. Winning by four points in the second half, Illinois finished the game thrashing the Golden Gophers, 95-68.
This was a “coming out party” for the Illinois basketball program. Restocked with young high-rated talent, the Illini needed a “prove it” game and that is what they got with the win over Minnesota. This win showed the potential this program possessed. It also started a run of winning six out of nine games.
I believe the Minnesota victory in 2019 was the confidence booster this program needed. They needed that big win to show they can do it. That is why the win over the Golden Gophers ranks in my top five.