Hoffarber and Joseph Dominate From Downtown As Gophers Down Hawks

Before heading into Wednesday night's match-up with St. Joseph's University, Golden Gopher head coach Tubby Smith spent the earlier part of the week emphasizing the lack of defensive pressure the squad had been playing with.

The Gophers came into Wednesday night's game allowing more points than any other Big Ten team at 70 per game, and had been especially weak guarding the perimeter since an injury sidelined guard Al Nolen in late November.

The Gophers got off to a slow start, falling behind the Hawks immediately. The first half the Gophers would stage a quick comeback, ultimately taking the lead away from the Hawks, and would head into the half with a 10 point lead.

The Hawks wouldn't be deterred as the second half started, as they outscored the Gophers 11-2 to start the second half, thanks to determined guard Carl Jones, who finished the game with 29 points, five rebounds and six assists.

The Gophers received solid performances from their guards, as Devoe Joseph and Blake Hoffarber would both finish the game 4-of-6 from 3-point range, tallying 19 and 14 points respectively.

Another dominating night on the glass from forward Trevor Mbakwe proved to be too much for the Hawks to handle, as Mbakwe would record 16 boards on the night. Mbakwe added 12 points to earn his sixth double-double of the season as the Gophers would finish off the Hawks with an 83-73 win.

Despite allowing another 70 point performance from an opponent, the Gophers managed to hold the Hawks to 36 percent from the field, and outscored the Hawks bench 26-8.

No. 20 Minnesota will return to campus on Saturday to face Eastern Kentucky.