Minnesota 84, Montana 58: Andre Hollins scored 24 points as the host Golden Gophers stayed unbeaten under new coach Richard Pitino.
Minnesota (2-0) also got 15 points from Deandre Mathieu and a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds from Austin Hollins. The Gophers dominated the boards, winning the rebounding battle 45-29.
Montana (0-1) was led by Kareem Jamar's 18 points and six rebounds. The Grizzlies made just 6-of-22 from 3-point range.
The Gophers jumped out to an early lead thanks to a 16-5 run in the first five minutes of the contest, with Andre Hollins hitting three 3-pointers and assisting on another. The Grizzlies rallied back within four midway through the half, but Minnesota went on a 21-11 run to end the half for a 14-point advantage.
It was more of the same in the second half, as the Gophers opened with a 14-2 run to increase their lead to 26 on Andre Hollins' layup with 13:28 to play. Montana was never able to put together a threat and Minnesota coasted to its second win of the season.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Minnesota improved to 29-3 all-time against Big Sky schools with the win. … Jamar moved up two spots on the all-time Grizzlies scoring list to 16th. … Minnesota now leads the series 4-1.
Montana | Minnesota | |
Kareem Jamar 18 | Scoring | Andre Hollins 24 |
Keron DeShields 3 | Assists | Deandre Mathieu 5 |
Kareem Jamar 6 | Rebounds | Austin Hollins 10 |
Kareem Jamar 5 | Free Throws Made | Andre Hollins 5 |
Mario Dunn Jr. 1 | Steals | Elliott Eliason 2 |
Andy Martin 2 | Blocks | Elliott Eliason 5 |