GOLDEN GOPHERS ADVANCE IN NIT WITH WIN OVER VILLANOVA

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TournaOn the strength of 11 three-point field goals, the Minnesota Golden Gophers (18-14) defeated Villanova (18-13) 87-78 this evening at Williams Arena in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament. Kevin Burleson scored a season-high 21 points in the game to lead Minnesota. The Golden Gophers had a season-low five turnovers in the game, including only one in the second half. After Villanova went on a 9-2 run to take a 68-66 lead with just over nine minutes remaining in the game, Minnesota put the clamps on the Wildcat offense and outscored them 21-10 down the stretch to secure the win. Minnesota took a 44-38 lead at the half on the strength of 18 points from Burleson. The Gophers shot 53.3 percent from the field in the first half and nailed seven three-pointers.

Burleson was one of six Golden Gophers that scored in double figures with 21. Terrance Simmons scored 16 points, all in the second half, and Kerwin Fleming came off the bench with 14 points. Travarus Bennett scored 11 with a career-high 12 rebounds while Shane Schilling and Dusty Rychart added 10 apiece. Minnesota shot 51.8 percent from the field and hit 11-of-30 three-pointers in the win. Villanova was led by Ricky Wright with a game-high 26 points and nine rebounds. He hit 10-of-14 field goals in the contest. Brooks Sales added 10 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. The Wildcats' top scorer, Michael Bradley left the game early in the second half with just two points after being hit in the nose by an elbow. Minnesota will play Tulsa in the second round of the NIT, who defeated UC Irvine this evening in other first round action. The game will be played on March 19 or 20. The site has yet to be determined.

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Travarus Bennett

Kevin Burleson

Kerwin Fleming

Dusty Rychart

Shane Schilling

Terrance Simmons

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