Gophers Hold Off Pesky St. Cloud State Team

Minnesota held off a pesky St. Cloud State to win their exhibition opener 88-80 over the Division II Huskies. The game was tied at 49-49 at halftime as Lawrence Westbrook hit a three-pointer just before the buzzer. The Gophers had four players in double figures. They started three newcomers in the frontcourt.

Al Nolen led Minnesota with 18 points as he made 7 of 11 shots from the field. Lawrence Westbrook scored 15 points as he made two three-pointers. Travis Busch made 7 of 8 free throws as he finished with 13 points and Blake Hoffarber added 11 points.

Andrew Bernstetter paced the Huskies with 15 points and eight rebounds. He made five of eight shots from the field and was three of six from three-point range. Brett Carmichael had 14 points and Taylor Witt and Matt Schneck added 10 points each.

Minnesota faces Northern State Thursday in their final exhibition game.