Half-Time: Mbakwe with 13 as Gophers lead 34-30 over No. 12 Illinois

Jan 9, 2013; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tracy Abrams (13) is defended by Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Andre Hollins (1) during the first half at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

Despite an ugly start by both teams, the No. 8 Gophers are ahead of No. 12 Illinois, 34-30.

Trevor Mbakwe leads all scorers with 13 points and has seven rebounds. Austin Hollins has six points, making both his three-point attempts in the first half.

The Illini’s star guard Brandon Paul had to change jerseys early in the game after drawing blood — but the bigger story is Illinois’ shooting struggle.

More than half of the Illini’s field goal attempts were three-pointers but the team has only converted three of their 16 attempts in the half. The only thing keeping the Illini close is their free-throw shooting — 11-for-12.