PROVIDENCE – With a big, raucous crowd on hand and a classy, nationally ranked opponent on their home floor, the Providence Friars weren’t ready to take advantage Monday night.
The Friars threw a scare into No. 14 Minnesota but Richard Pitino’s veteran Gophers rallied nicely in the second half to secure a 86-74 victory in the opener of the annual Gavitt Games series at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
This game owned a March Madness flair for long stretches, especially in a first half that ended with PC up, 39-36.
But Minnesota controlled the second half with Jordan Murphy rolling to 23 points and 14 rebounds.