Sometimes non-conference games cause teams to learn more about themselves.
This was the case as USC Upstate shot nearly 50 percent from the three-point line for most of the first half. Not only did the Gophers struggle to defend the arc, but they didn’t shoot the ball well, especially when the Spartans were in a matchup zone. The game was tied at 31 late in the first half, but a 12-2 run brought the Gophers into the break with a ten-point lead. USC Upstate went on small runs throughout, but Minnesota used 35 points and 15 rebounds from Jordan Murphy to fuel a 92-77 victory.