The Minnesota Golden Gophers lead the La Salle Explorers, 40-37, at halftime of their first round 2012 National Invitational Tournament game on Wednesday night.

Forward Rodney Williams leads all scorers with 17 points, while Andre Hollins and Austin Hollins have chipped in seven and six points, respectively. The Gophers lead despite missing all five of their three-point attempts in the first half and getting off to an awful start.

LaSalle, meanwhile, has assisted on 11 of its 15 made baskets. Ramon Galloway is in double-figures with 11 points, while Earl Pettis and Jerrell Wright each have seven points.

The winner of Wednesday's game will take on the winner of Miami and Valparaiso. Here is the full 2012 NIT Tournament bracket.

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