Illinois holds off Minnesota in two overtimes

"I said since the beginning of the season, we're not going to win every game, but every game we'll come out and fight," said Illini guard Brandon Paul, who had 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists but also lost five turnovers. "After we lost the lead, we made some plays. We kept grinding it out. A lot of guys kept making plays. We kept fighting."

Despite losing 21 turnovers and blowing a 13-point lead in the second half, the Illini avoided a bad loss to start conference play.

"We pieced it together and found a way to win," Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. "I hope the next 17 aren't like this, 'cause I can't take it."

Supinie