Gophers Open NIT with 88-81 Win over High Point
March 18, 2014

Maverick Ahanmisi scored 16 of his career-high 21 points in the second half as the Minnesota Gophers held on for a 88-81 win over the High Point Panthers in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament before a crowd of 3,493 at Williams Arena.

Minnesota played a strong first half, not turning the ball over and outmuscling High Point inside to build a 38-29 lead. High Point forward John Brown and guard Adam Weary got into foul trouble with the game tied at 26, allowing the Gophers to control the closing minutes. “It’s hard to win with your two best players on the bench,” said High Point coach Scott Cherry.

In the second half the Gophers, with dominant post play, opened the gap to 15 points, but the Panthers closed to within 7. A key moment came with 11:21 to play when Haiishen McIntyre’s hard hit on a driving Ahanmisi resulted in an intentional foul. As Ahanmisi made both free throws, High Point coach Scott Cherry was called for a technical foul, and Andre Hollins made both shots. Minnesota retained possession and stretched the lead to 60-47 on a field goal by Ahanmisi. “I picked the wrong time to get a technical,” said Cherry, adding that it was his first of the year.

High Point hung in and trailed 60-55 after three free throws by senior guard Derrell Edwards with 8:11 left, but Minnesota went on a run and held off the Panthers the rest of the way. Brown fouled out with 19 points with 2:40 left, and Weary picked up his fifth foul in the final minute.

“I thought we did a few good things.” said Cherry, “We just didn’t make enough good plays to pull it off.” High Point outrebounded Minnesota in the second half as both teams reached 50 points.

Minnesota coach Richard Pitino said, “We found a way to get it done.” Guard DeAndre Mathieu aggravated a hip injury suffered in practice and hobbled through the opening minutes of the second half before Pitino took him out. “He was making some faces that made the fans cringe,” the coach added.

Austin Hollins had eight assists for the Gophers with no turnovers. Joey King scored 14 points and had 7 rebounds.

With the win the Gophers advance to the second round of the tournament with the next game on Sunday, March 23.

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