5:30 p.m. at Providence • FS1, 103.5-FM and 1130-AM
Pitino visits his alma mater
5:30 p.m. at Providence • Dunkin' Donuts Center • FS1 • (KTLK-103.5 FM)
Preview: Minnesota coach Richard Pitino returns to his alma mater to find out if his team's deserving of a top-25 ranking with the first true test Monday night at Providence in the Gavitt Tipoff Games. The Gophers (1-0) opened the season Friday with a 92-77 victory against South Carolina Upstate. But starting guards Nate Mason, Amir Coffey and Dupree McBrayer combined to shoot just 8-for-24 from the field against a zone defense. The Friars (1-0) are led by seniors Rodney Bullock and Kyron Cartwright (Big East leader with 6.7 assists last season). Returning starters Jalen Lindsey (knee) and Emmitt Holt (abdominal surgery) missed the 84-55 season-opening win against Houston Baptist. But Lindsey is expected to play against Minnesota.
Players to watch: Gophers forward Jordan Murphy exploded for a career-high 35 points and 15 rebounds Friday against USC Upstate. The 6-foot-6 junior scored 22 second-half points and finished the game with five dunks and nine offensive rebounds. Bullock had a career-best 36 points in a win against New Hampshire last season. The 6-8, 225-pound forward was held to just seven points in 29 minutes against Houston Baptist.
Numbers: The Gophers gave up 14 three-pointers to USC Upstate on Friday, which tied for the second most threes by an opponent in team history.
MARCUS FULLER
