Gopher Hoops Crush Morgan State

The Gopher basketball team picked up its sixth win of the season Tuesday night with a 94-64 victory over the Todd Bozeman-coached Morgan State club at Williams Arena. Although Bozeman achieved success and later scorn with his rules-bending methods at California in the 90s, his Bears were no match for the Gophers in this one.

Minnesota swung out to a 43-21 halftime lead, shooting 53% from the floor, and never looked back. Although the club allowed 43 second-half points, the Gophers scored 51 themselves, and shot an impressive 49.1% from the floor. In the second half alone, the Gophers managed to get to the free throw line 39 times, making 27 shots (69.2%).

Blake Hoffarber led all Gophers with 18 points on 8-11 shooting, including 2-5 from three-point range. Damian Johnson (11) and Lawrence Westbrook (14) also reached double-figures for Minnesota. All eleven Gophers who played scored points. 

On the negative side, the Gophers turned the ball over 17 times, shot 71% from the free throw line, and allowed Morgan State's Reggie Holmes to notch 26 points.  

On the plus side, Devron Bostick played nine minutes in the game and managed to get to the foul line 10 times. He was 7-10 from the charity stripe. Freshman forward Rodney Williams was a force again Tuesday night, scoring seven points and blocking four Morgan State shots.

Up next for the Gophers is St. Joseph's at the Barn on Saturday afternoon. At 6-3 and with two straight victories this week, the Gophers appear to be back on track in non-conference play.