Carrington finished in double digits for the third time this season when he made 5 of 9 field goals, including 4 of 7 from beyond the arc, and 6 of 6 at the free throw line for his first collegiate 20-point game. Battle was 5-of-9 from three-point range and added four rebounds, four assists and a career-best four steals. Garcia recorded his ninth game in double figures this season and added a career-high five assists to go with his team-high of seven boards.
The Gophers took a 9-3 lead Bull Samuels and Battle, each connecting on three hands. After UAPB fought back to level the score at 16-16, Carrington pulled off a 13-3 run with 11 straight points, including downing three straight Treys. Carrington’s run sparked an extended 20-5 stretch for the Gophers to take the lead to 36-21, and Minnesota went into the dressing room with a 36-25 lead. Carrington (3-of-4 3FG) led the Gophers with 13 points at break while Battle had nine and Garcia added seven. Minnesota hit 11 of 23 (.478) field goals, including 6 of 13 (.462) three-pointers and 8 of 9 (.889) free throws.
The visitors opened the second half with an 11-3 run to cut Minnesota’s lead to 39-36 and force a timeout. But three-pointers from Battle and Samuels helped the Gophers maintain the lead, with Samuels’ Trey starting a 7-0 run to bring the lead back to 51-43 at the U12 timeout. After UAPB drew within three points, 56-53, Minnesota responded with an 11-0 run that included Carrington’s fourth Trifecta of the night and a pair of Treys by Battle to give him a five on the night and up the lead 67-53 to expand 4:03 left.
Ta’Lon Cooper filled the stats with seven points, four rebounds and team-best eight assists and three blocked shots. Minnesota hit 23 of 47 (.489) field goals, including 12 of 27 (.444) from long range and 14 of 18 (.778) free throws.
The Gophers have a break in the finals schedule before continuing their five-game home streak by hosting Chicago State on Thursday, December 22 at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPNU.
