Gopher women win in OT

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Lindsay Whalen's two free throws with 4.3 seconds remaining in overtime Thursday night led No. 22 Minnesota to a 79-76 overtime win over Illinois.

Whalen led the Golden Gophers (16-4, 6-3 Big Ten) with 26 points, including nine in overtime, and sank 10 of 13 free throws. Janelle McCarville added 22 points, pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds and converted 10-of-14 free-throws.

Iveta Marcauskite paced the Illini (13-7, 6-4) with 28 points and nine rebounds. Cindy Dallas added 20 points and nine boards as Illinois had its 11-game home winning streak snapped.

After trailing 44-30 at the break, the Gophers opened the second half with a 13-4 run to get back into the game. Minnesota later went on a 16-0 run and took a 63-57 lead with four minutes remaining before three straight Illini baskets tied the game at 63-all with less than a minute to play.

Minnesota was 9-for-9 from the free-throw line in OT.