University of Minnesota Athletics

Minnesota-Virginia Postgame Notes

12/2/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Minnesota vs. Virginia Postgame Notes

With the win, Tubby Smith moved to 27-14 as the head coach of Minnesota, and 414-159 for his career.

This was the sixth meeting between Minnesota and Virginia and with the win, the Gophers have closed the gap in the all-time series to 2-3 (the 1993 matchup has since been vacated). Minnesota is 13-20 all-time against the ACC and 8-5 at home. Tubby Smith improved to 1-1 against the Cavaliers.

The Gophers are now 4-6 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, winning for the first time since 2002-03.

With tonight's victory, Minnesota has opened with a 7-0 record for the first time since the 1976-1977 season. The Gophers started 11-0 that season.

Tubby Smith has started 7-0 for just the second time in his career. His Kentucky team started 7-0 in 2003-04 and finished with a 27-5 mark.

The Gophers had double-digit steals for the third time this season.

The Gophers lineup of Al Nolen, Blake Hoffarber, Jamal Abu-Shamala, Damian Johnson and Colton Iverson started together for the second consecutive game Tubby Smith has used four different lineups in seven games this season. Nolen and Iverson are the only Minnesota players to start all seven games this year for the Gophers.

Lawrence Westbrook came off the bench for the second consecutive game after starting 38 straight games for the Gophers. He contributed 13 points, scoring in double figures for the fifth time in six games this year and the 22nd time in his career.

Center Colton Iverson led the Gophers with a game-high 14 points. He has the led the Gophers in scoring twice in his inaugural campaign.

Blake Hoffarber scored in double figures for the third time this season and the 18th time in his career. Hoffarber made four three-pointers and the Gophers improved to 7-1 when he hits at least four treys during his career.

Al Nolen recorded five steals for the third time this season.

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Players Mentioned

Colton Iverson

F/C
/ Men's Basketball

Al Nolen

G
/ Men's Basketball

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