MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Trevor Mbakwe scored a team-high 17 points and Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in five during an 18-1 second-half run as the Minnesota Gophers pulled away from the South Dakota State Jackrabbits en route to a 71-55 victory Monday night at Williams Arena.
Ahanmisi’s 3-pointer and two free throws served as bookends to the decisive stretch as Minnesota (2-0) turned a 44-39 deficit into a 57-45 lead. Mbakwe scored 13 of his points in the second half. The senior also chipped in 10 rebounds for his 21st career double-double and second in as many games this season. Senior Ralph Sampson III was Minnesota’s only other double-figure scorer with 10.
Jackrabbits junior Nate Wolters scored a game-high 20 for South Dakota State (1-1). Freshman Teavaunn Prince added 13 for the Jackrabbits and Chad White added 11, but South Dakota State was done in by 18 turnovers.
