Seniors benched for missing practice. Read more on Tony Bleill's blog here.

MINNEAPOLIS – Benched for much of Thursday's loss to Michigan, seniors Jenna Smith and Lacey Simpson rebounded Sunday at Minnesota.

Smith had 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Simpson added 15 points and eight assists – not to mention stellar defense against Gophers leading scorer Kiara Buford – as the Illini used a 17-0 spurt to start the second half to pull away for a 61-48 victory against the Gophers.

"Today was big not just because we won, but because we showed that we're still here and fighting for each other," said Smith, who also had season-high totals of five assists and three steals in notching her 14th double-double this season. "If we keep playing together like we did today, I think we can still make some noise."

The Illini trailed 30-26 at halftime before beginning the second half with a flurry – starting 5 for 5 in the first two minutes after the break.

Simpson, who also had four steals, held Buford nine points below her scoring average.

The loss snapped a five-game losing streak for the Illini (12-9, 4-7 Big Ten).

"This was a much-needed win for us," coach Jolette Law said. "I've never lost confidence in this team. At halftime I just challenged them and they responded. We came out focused, dictated on defense and took control of the game."

The Illini also got 12 points from Lydia McCully.

"I definitely take a little extra pride when I come back and play in Minnesota," said Smith, who is a native of Bloomington, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis. "I had lots of friends and family here and you never want to lose in your hometown, especially with it being the last time I'm playing here. We've won here twice in a row now, which is a great feeling."

In wrestling:

Illini roll. Illinois' John Dergo, ranked No. 2 nationally at 184 pounds, capped the Illini's 30-6 victory Sunday against Northwestern with a pin.

The win was Dergo's 13th straight this season.

The Illini, who improved to 7-5 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten duals, won eight of 10 matches.

Daryl Thomas (133), Clint Arlis (157), Conrad Polz (165), No. 14 Jordan Blanton (174), No. 9 Patrick Bond (197) and Marty Smith (Hwt.) earned decisions for Illinois.

"We were solid if not spectacular today," Illinois coach Jim Heffernan said. "Daryl Thomas got a nice win at 133 and Dergo looked really good. For the most part, we took care of business today."

In women's tennis:

Illini notch first win. The middle of Illinois' roster lifted the No. 32 Illini to their first win of the season Sunday in Clemson, S.C.

No. 33 Rachael White and Megan Fudge fell at the top two singles spots, but Chelcie Abajian, Breanne Smutko and Marisa Lambropoulos earned victories to clinch Illinois' 4-2 victory against No. Texas A&M at the ITA Kickoff Weekend.

Illinois opened by winning the doubles point.

"I'm so excited for the girls," Illini (1-3) coach Michelle Dasso said. "They showed tremendous character and effort after losing a couple of close matches and really laid it all on the line today. We beat a very good team and we're obviously very happy to get a win under our belts. We're looking forward to playing at home next weekend and hopefully in front of a very supportive crowd."