Minnesota dominates in 72-36 win

Minnesota's defense shut down American University, as the Golden Gophers defeated the Eagles 72-36 on Friday at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. Minnesota (1-0) held American (0-1) to 24 percent shooting from the field.

The Golden Gophers' Austin Hollins had 20 points.

Minnesota broke out to an early 16-point lead after a 19-3 run in the first. Hollins capped the run off with a free throw to help the Golden Gophers lead 44-14 at the half.

Rodney Williams shot 7-of-10 from the field and scored 16 points for the Golden Gophers.

American University shot 16-of-23 from the free throw line. The Eagles got double-digit efforts from John Schoof, who scored 10.

Minnesota never trailed in the game. The Golden Gophers' largest lead was 38, which came with 3:50 remaining. Minnesota was winning 34-14 late in the first before it went on a 10-0 run to extend its lead to 30 points with 30 seconds left in the first half. Joe Coleman capped the run off with a free throw that helped the Golden Gophers lead at the half.

[ Minnesota 72, American 36: BOX | AP RECAP | SCOREBOARD ]

HALFTIME: Austin Hollins scored 15 points for Minnesota in the first half to carry the Golden Gophers to a 44-14 lead over American University.

Hollins and Rodney Williams are leading the way for Minnesota. Hollins shot 6-of-10 from the field. Williams scored 11 points and shot 5-of-6 from the field.

The Eagles shot 26 percent from the field during the first half. The Golden Gophers never trailed in the first half and led by as many as 30 points. Trailing 19-8, American University went cold, going 5:49 without a point while Minnesota went on a 15-0 run to open up a 26-point lead.

Seven Minnesota players scored in the first half.

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