Minnesota Basketball: Golden Gophers Land Road Win over Florida State

Minnesota earned a quality road win against Florida State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Golden Gophers beat the Seminoles 77-68.

Both teams had four players score in double figures, but it was Minnesota's starters that broke the game open in the first half. Minnesota's starters outscored Florida State's starters 59-35.

Gophers guard Andre Hollins is two games removed from his 41-point performance against Memphis. He continues to be a strong scoring presence outside for Minnesota, scoring 12 points against the Seminoles.

Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith saw his squad excel on offense, making 26 shots and dishing out 17 assists. They also made 20-of-28 free throw attempts.

Florida State, winners of the 2012 ACC championship, struggled on the offensive end, shooting 37.9 percent from the floor.

Amelia Rayno of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune noted Florida State's struggles were making it easy on Minnesota offensively.

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Mbakwe just scored his first points, and still the #Gophers are up by 19. They're just not being challenged.

— Amelia Rayno (@AmeliaRayno) November 28, 2012

 

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She's speaking of Trevor Mbakwe, a sixth-year senior for Minnesota who's struggled to regain his old form after his ACL injury last season. He finished the game with six points and four rebounds in 19 minutes of play.

Those numbers are a far cry from his 13.9 points and 10.5 rebounds-per-game averages in 2010-11. 

As for the Seminoles, head coach Leonard Hamilton has work to do. Florida State has now lost two games, both at home. The first loss came at the hands of South Alabama in the opening game of the year.

Florida State will look to rebound against Mercer on Dec. 2 before their in-state showdown with Florida on Dec. 5.

Minnesota will return home for their next two games. They play North Florida on Dec. 1 and San Diego State on Dec. 4. 

All statistics via ESPN.com.