Both Gach registered 21 points and nine rebounds to help Minnesota post a 76-67 nonconference victory over North Dakota on Friday night in Minneapolis.

Marcus Carr added 17 points, nine assists and three steals for Minnesota (4-0). Brandon Johnson had 15 points and three steals, and Liam Robbins contributed nine points, seven rebounds and five blocked for the Golden Gophers.

Filip Rebraca recorded 23 points and six rebounds for the Fighting Hawks (0-3). Caleb Nero added 16 points, and Tyree Ihenacho had 10 points and three steals.

The Golden Gophers shot 46.7 percent from the field, including 5 of 16 from 3-point range.

North Dakota shot 41.7 percent from the field and was 8 of 19 from behind the arc.

Minnesota used a 10-2 run to open up a 50-43 lead with 12:12 remaining in the contest. Tre' Williams capped the run with a jumper.

The Fighting Hawks later moved within 58-56 on Rebraca's basket with 6:36 left.

The Golden Gophers responded with six consecutive points as Gach scored on a layup and Carr added back-to-back baskets to give Minnesota a 64-56 advantage with 5:31 remaining.

Just over a minute later, Johnson converted a three-point play to push the Golden Gophers' lead to 67-58.

Gach drained a 3-pointer with 45 seconds left to make it 74-64, and Minnesota closed it out.

The Golden Gophers never led over the first 18 minutes of the first half before holding a 36-35 lead at the break.

North Dakota scored eight of the game's first 10 points and later led 22-11 after Rebraca's 3-pointer with 11:55 left.

The Golden Gophers pulled within 24-23 before Rebraca converted a layup and Nero drained a 3-pointer to give the Fighting Hawks a six-point lead with 5:41 left.

Minnesota answered with a 9-2 run that Gach concluded with two free throws, giving the Golden Gophers their first lead at 32-31 with 1:58 remaining.

--Field Level Media