Gopher Week in Photos: Minnesota falls short in Houston

Dec 28, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Seth Doege (7) loses his helmet in the first half against the Minnesota Gophers in the Meineke Car Care Bowl at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Despite playing as 13-point underdogs in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas on Dec. 28, the Gophers led most of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. But an interception thrown by Gopher quarterback Philip Nelson with under a minute remaining set up a Red Raider game-winning field goal. Minnesota would lose 34-31.

Dec 31, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Austin Hollins (20), forward Trevor Mbakwe (32) and guard Andre Hollins (1) celebrate during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Williams Arena. Minnesota defeated Michigan State 76-63. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The men’s basketball team, led by sophomore point guard Andre Hollins, opened the Big Ten season with a win over Michigan State on New Year’s Eve at Williams Arena. The Gophers beat the Spartans 76-63, finishing the game by scoring the game’s last 12 points. Hollins added 22 points.