Gophers Have No Trouble with California Riverside, Beat Highlanders 75-38
December 1, 2007

The California Riverside basketball team had to forego a shootaround at Williams Arena as it was late getting into the Twin Cities because of a snowstorm, but their Minnesota Gophers defenders left them uncontested for enough open shots for the Highlanders to stay with them over the first half of the first half.

A field goal by Sean Cunningham pulled Riverside to within 15-13 of the Gophers with 9:44 to go in the half, but Minnesota allowed the Highlanders only 25 more points the rest of the way in winning 75-38. “We played harder,” said Minnesota coach Tubby Smith, “and, in stretches, we played smarter.”

Once again, the bench provided the Gophers with a lift. Blake Hoffarber hit three 3-pointers in the first half and finished the game with 13 points, Kevin Payton came off the bench and contributed six assists in his nine minutes on the floor, and Jonathan Williams had five rebounds and two blocks in 16 minutes. However, it was Damian Johnson, in his 20 minutes, providing the best all-around play. The sophomore from Louisiana scored 12 points and had seven rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. Among the starters, Lawrence MacKenzie had 18 points, Jamal Abu-Shamala 11, and Spencer Tollackson 10. Early fould trouble limited senior forward Dan Coleman in the first half, and he finished the game with just six points, although he pulled down five rebounds in the second half.

For the Highlanders, junior guard Larry Cunningham with 14 points was the only player in double figures.

Smith said he has been spreading the offense out more to make it more inside-oriented. He acknowledged that Coleman and Tollackson are not post players, but they are good passers, and the motion offense allowed the Gophers more cuts to the basket. Minnesota had assists on 21 of its 25 field goals.

Minnesota improved its record to 5-1, its only loss coming earlier in the week, 75-61 to Florida State.