Gophers' Season Ends with 76-62 Loss to Texas

A.J. Abrams had 26 points and made eight of 15 three-point shots as Texas defeated Minnesota 76-62 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Gophers jumped out to a quick start, leading by 10 points (13-3) in the opening minutes. The Longhorns tied the game at 15-15 and led 39-35 at halftime when Abrams made a three-pointer with three seconds left.

Minnesota's offensive woes continued in the second half as they shot just 31% from the field and were just one of nine from three-point range. Conversely, Texas was 11 of 20 from three-point range.

Damion James added 18 points and nine rebounds for the seventh-seeded Longhorns (23-11). Dexter Pittman added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Texas shot 47% from the field and outrebounded Minnesota 41-30.

The Golden Gophers finished the season 22-11, losing 10 of their final 16 games. Minnesota had gotten off to its best start in more than 30 years at 16-1.

Lawrence Westbrook scored 19 points for the Gophers and fellow junior Damian Johnson added 13 points.