Trevor Mbakwe Sixth Season of Eligibility

Minnesota's Trevor Mbakwe got the sixth season of eligibility he wanted. Mbakwe said he's strongly considering returning, but also continued that he has not ruled out the NBA.

If Mbakwe would return to the Gophers, the U of M would have to find a scholarship for him. Minnesota is at the NCAA maximum of 13 scholarship players.

The deadline for declaring the draft is April 29.

Minnesota faces off against Washington in the NIT semifinals on Tuesday.

Gophers Down Illini

The Gophers men's basketball team made a statement in the final minutes of the Minnesota-Illinois basketball game - they are not the same team that they were in the Big Ten opener. The message was heard loud and clear by Illinois.

The Gophers showed their might by tying the score on a last-second three-point play and finishing off Illinois in overtime to grab their fourth victory in five games. The Gophers won 77-72 at Williams Arena.

Austin Hollins, with the Gophers down by three, drove to the basket, hitting the layup. The big error by Illinois came as Meyers Leonard fouled Hollins, who they hit the free throw to send the game into overtime.