The Sports Xchange
Nov 29, 2017
MINNEAPOLIS -- Dewan Huell had 23 points, and Bruce Brown Jr. had 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists as No. 10 Miami survived its first big test of the season with an 86-81 win at No. 12 Minnesota.
Dejan Vasiljevic had 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting from 3-point range for the Hurricanes, who used their four-guard lineup and hot shooting to give the Gophers fits.
Miami (6-0) shot 50.7 percent from the field, including 55.9 percent in the second half and was 10 of 25 from 3-point territory.
The Hurricanes took control with a 12-5 run early in the second half and led by as many as 12 points in their first true road game of the year.
Amir Coffey had 23 points, but Minnesota (7-1) couldn't take advantage of its size advantage with Reggie Lynch and Jordan Murphy. Murphy, the reigning Big Ten player of the week, had 17 points and 14 rebounds. Lynch had 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks.
Minnesota closed within 73-71, but Miami kept its composure with Brown taking control.
Miami entered with a perfect record after four home games against Gardner-Webb, Navy, Florida A&M and North Florida, and one neutral-court game against La Salle.
Coffey sparked the Gophers at the end of the second half with 11 points in the final 4:40 of the half, including scoring a basket while sitting down for the final bucket of the half.
Coffey drove to the hoop and was knocked down. The rebound from his shot fell right to him and he shot while sitting.
NOTES: Miami was the highest-ranked non-conference opponent to play in Minnesota since No. 4 Cincinnati in 1998. It was the second straight game against a ranked opponent for the Gophers. ... Minnesota G Dupree McBrayer missed the game with a right leg injury. Freshman G Isaiah Washington made his first collegiate start and hit one of his first 12 shots from the field before finishing 6 of 17 for 14 points. ... Hurricanes G Bruce Brown Jr. left the game in the second half and was grabbing at his left wrist. He was tended to on the sideline and later returned to the game. ... Minnesota's starters accounted for all of the team¡¯s scoring.