A Bernstein type theorem for minimal hypersurfaces via Gauss maps

Let $M$ be an $n$-dimensional smooth oriented complete embedded minimal hypersurface in $\mathbb{R}^{n+1}$ with Euclidean volume growth. We show that if the image under the Gauss map of $M$ avoids some neighborhood of a half-equator, then $M$ must be an affine hyperplane.
Comment: 14 pages