Minnesota opens season with 81-62 win over Lehigh

[DoubleNicks]

http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/110813aaa.html

Nov. 8, 2013

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The Richard Pitino era at Minnesota began successfully Friday night, as the Gophers established an early double-digit lead versus Lehigh and maintained a comfortable advantage throughout during an 81-62 victory at Williams Arena.

Four Minnesota players reached double-figures, led by sophomore forward Joey King's game-high 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Junior guard Andre Hollins added 18 points and five assists, while junior center Elliott Eliason recorded his first career double-double by finishing with 11 points and a career-best 17 rebounds.

Minnesota (1-0) led 37-18 at the half, as King scored 10 points and the Gophers limited Lehigh to 23.3 percent (7-of-30) from the field, while also forcing 11 turnovers.

But the Mountain Hawks (0-2) played the Gophers even after the break. Lehigh was led by Mackey McKnight's 18 points, while Austin Price added 15 points and Jesse Chuku had eight points and a team-high 10 rebounds.

Junior guard DeAndre Mathieu finished with nine assists and three steals for the Gophers. As a team, Minnesota made 27-of-59 (.458) field goals, including 9-of-25 three-pointers, and Minnesota finished with a 38-35 edge in rebounding.

Minnesota plays host to Montana next Tuesday at Williams Arena, with tipoff slated for 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, visit mygophersports.com, or call 612.624.8080 or 1.800.U.GOPHER.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbPjdNDdTAk[/youtube]

 

[mtgrizrule]

17 rebounds!!! I don't care which DIV 1 team you are playing against, that is impressive. The GRIZ better hope we are hitting a lot of shots. They like to run too, so it will be hard to up tempo them. This will be one hell of a challenge for the GRIZ.

 

[Grizzaholic]

Need to get hot on the 3's and hope for a huge off day by the Goofers