Tubby Smith's concerns about the Augustana Vikings were unfounded as the Minnesota Golden Gophers cruised to a relatively easy 72-60 at Williams Arena Monday night. Trevor Mbakwe was dominant in the victory, scoring 16 points, eight boards, five blocked shots, and three assists all int eh second half as Minnesota came back from a 38-33 halftime deficit.
Mbakwe finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds total, while Rodney Williams added 10 points and four rebounds. The Gophers were not without their struggles, however. They shot just 21-of-45 (.467) field goals, including 5-of-17 (.294) three-pointers, and 25-of-38 on free throws. they also committed 17 turnovers, something that does not bode well heading into a brutal Big Ten season down the road.
With the exhibition season concluded the Golden Gophers will now host a dangerous Bucknell team in the season opener Friday evening at The Barn. Bucknell was an NCAA Tournament team a year ago out of the Patriot League.