Minnesota 81, Lehigh 62
November 8, 2013

Game Summary
The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team defeated visitors representing Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., of the Patriot League, 81-62, at Williams Arena on November 8 before a gathering announced at 12,957 spectators.

First-year player Joey King led all scorers with 20 points. Center Elliot Eliason recorded a double-double with 17 rebounds and 11 points. Veteran Andre Hollins added 18 points. Minnesota skipped to an early 12-3 lead and coasted to a 37-18 lead, boring the majority of those in attendance to silence. Lehigh offered little resistance to the taller Gophers, yet were only outrebounded 38-35 at game’s end. Minnesota clearly missed the intimidating presence of the graduating Trevor Mbakwe.

Key to the game:
The Gophers showed up and played. Lehigh was awed by the arena and played tentatively.

Quote:
Gopher coach Richard Pitino: “Eliason’s been playing really well. He works extremely hard every day. He’s carrying us now.

Missing:
Pitino announced that Maurice “Mo” Walker was suspended for six games. His crime? Violation of university policy. The Gophers missed out on signing DeLaSalle’s star Reid Travis. He’s off to Stanford.

What did we learn?
Public address announcer Dick Jonckowski could have coached the Gophers Friday night. We still know little about Pitino’s coaching style.