Illini nab share of crown

MINNEAPOLIS -- Frank Williams made a driving layup with 2.9 seconds left to cap a 10-0 game-closing run and No. 15 Illinois beat Minnesota 67-66 Sunday, giving the Fighting Illini a share of the four-way tie for the Big Ten title.

Williams' layup were his first points since the 2:20 mark of the first half, extended the Illini's winning streak to eight games and put them in a tie for the regular season championship with Wisconsin, Ohio State and Indiana, all with 11-5 records.

Trailing 66-63, Illinois tied up the Gophers underneath their basket but the possession arrow kept the ball with Minnesota. After Kevin Burleson lost control, Cory Bradford picked up the loose ball and drained a jumper from the free throw line to pull the Illini (23-7) within 66-65.

Then, with the Gophers (16-11, 9-7) trying to get the ball past halfcourt on their next possession, Illinois went back to the trap and cornered Burleson again. His pass to Dusty Rychart sailed out of bounds, giving Illinois possession on the base line with 6.9 seconds left and setting up Williams' heroics.

Brian Cook led Illinois with 22 points, while Bradford added 19 and Williams 12.

Illinois gets a first-round bye in the upcoming Big Ten tournament. On Friday, they will play the winner of Minnesota-Penn State game.

Rick Rickert had 18 points the Golden Gophers.