Illinois nearly ruined a strong nonconference start by losing seven of its first nine Big Ten games to tumble out of the Top 25. In this loaded league, though, the Fighting Illini still have time to catch up. They might've salvaged their season with this terrific week. Tyler Griffey scored 16 points, and Illinois went 11 for 23 from 3-point range to beat No. 18 Minnesota 57-53 on Sunday night.
