Illinois hammers Gophers

Associated Press Writer

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Dee Brown scored 17 points and freshman Jamar Smith had 16 as No. 8 Illinois extended its home winning streak to a school-record 32 games with a 77-53 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday night.

With Brown and Smith hitting from the outside, James Augustine, Shaun Pruitt and Brian Randle were able to get open shots inside and combined for 30 points as the Illini (18-2, 4-2 Big Ten) worked relentlessly to push the ball down low whenever possible.

The win ties Illinois with No. 7 Gonzaga for second-longest home streak in the country. Southern Illinois has won 33 straight at home.

Illinois, which defeated the Golden Gophers (9-8, 0-6) for the 14th straight time, began its streak on Jan. 17, 2004, with an 88-82 win over Iowa. The Illini have lost only twice in their last 79 home games going back to January 2000.