Sometimes, it just takes awhile to get going.

After a disappointing first half on defense, Illinois’ aggressiveness finally took over in the second half as the Illini used a 12-0 run midway through the period to pull away from struggling Minnesota en route to a 77-53 win over the Golden Gophers on Wednesday at the Assembly Hall.

“Once we made the run, they got a little impatient,” said Illini head coach Bruce Weber. “That’s been one of their tendencies.”

Up only six after a Vincent Grier basket with 12:43 to go, Illinois’ defense was able to hold Minnesota scoreless for nearly five minutes – pushing its lead to 64-46 with just under eight minutes to go.

The run was highlighted by a spectacular fast break dunk by Brian Randle, who – despite playing only two minutes in the first half because of foul trouble – finished with 10 points.

“In the second half, we stepped up the intensity on defense, got some runouts and just wore them down,” Randle said.

Dee Brown led the Illini with 17 points, but the balanced scoring of the remainder of the team is what really made the Illini happy.

“It’s wonderful to see other people score,” Brown said. “It’s fun for me to watch and see all the guys play well.”

Weber added, “It was a much better balance of scoring.”

The win – Illinois’ 32nd in a row at home – moves the Illini to 18-2 overall, 4-2 in the Big Ten. Minnesota drops to 9-8, 0-6 in the conference.

Jamar picks it up

Just when it looked like Jamar Smith was starting to lose his touch, he came alive again against the Gophers.

Despite going only 6-for-18 from three-point land in Illinois’ first five Big Ten games, Smith’s shot looked as good as ever on Wednesday as the freshman made 5-of-8 3’s and a free throw to finish with 16 points.

“When you get Jamar going, obviously that helps,” Weber said. “When Jamar can jump up and make a three it gives us a more balanced attack.”

Illini make the extra pass

Illinois is known as a good passing team, but it isn’t every game that the entire Illini team gets involved like it did against the Gophers.

While the Illini finished with only 18 assists on 28 baskets, six players recorded assists in the game, including eight total by point guards Dee Brown and Chester Frazier.

Weber was glad to see his team make the extra pass.

“Dee had just a great all-around game,” Weber said. “He had some great looks and got it to the open man. He only had five assists, but there were probably three or four others which went to free throws.”

Illini bigs wreak havoc

After using primarily a three-guard lineup to beat Northwestern on Saturday, Illinois’ big men proved to be a huge edge for the Illini on Wednesday night.

James Augustine and Brian Randle each scored in double figures in the game and Shaun Pruitt and Marcus Arnold each recorded quality minutes down low.

“We never got any control on the inside or the perimeter,” Minnesota head coach Dan Monson said. “They won the battle down there.”

Seniors play big minutes

Sure, they may be seniors, but even Dee Brown and James Augustine need some rest now and again.

Illinois’ two seniors both played over 36 minutes against the Gophers, marking the second straight game where they have played for at least 36 minutes.

Both seniors played all 40 minutes against Northwestern on Saturday.

Weber said he hopes to give both players more time on the bench in the coming weeks, but he isn’t really sure when.

“If we can get a lead I can sit them,” he said.