It wasn’t supposed to be the Gophers’ stiffest test of the non-conference season thus far, but Coastal Carolina proved to be exactly that, pushing Minnesota to the limit before falling 82-72.
In a game that was within five points much of the middle portion of the 40 minutes, the Chanticleers outshot their percentages throughout, and outrebounded the bigger Gophers in the first half.
But Richard Pitino’s press did its job in the end, forcing Coastal Carolina into mistakes throughout, many coming late in the contest.
Elijah Wilson led all scorers, dropping 25 for the Chanticleers, but a balanced Minnesota scoring attack led by Andre Hollins’ 19 ensured the Gophers would not be upset by the Big South foe.
A scary moment came in the second half when Hollins and Joey King collided in the lane while on defense. King remained down, appearing to be dazed, before being helped off the court by medical personnel. The diagnosis is a jaw contusion, he did not return and will be evaluated tomorrow.
The Gophers continue preliminary games to the Maui Invitational against Wofford at Wiliams Arena Thursday.
