Half-Time: Gophers stall late in first half, tied at 24

Dec 31, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Andre Hollins (1) against the Michigan State Spartans at Williams Arena. Minnesota defeated Michigan State 76-63. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The game started with a plethora of three-pointers for both teams, but it was the tenacity of Andre Hollins to keep Minnesota in the game.

The Gophers relied on a 16-5 run in the middle of the first half. Wisconsin had a late run of its own to tie the game, 24-24 at half.

Hollins had 11 of the team’s 24 points in the first half, including three late free-throws with 0.2 seconds remaining in the half.

The Badgers are led by Sam Dekker.  Coming off of the bench, the freshman had eight points in the first half.  Senior Ryan Evans also tallied eight points and five rebounds for Wisconsin.

Maverick Ahanmisi added six points off the bench for Minnesota.  The junior nailed two early three-pointers early in the first half.

Minnesota came out with a revenge on the defensive end.  The Gophers forced eight turnovers.  Wisconsin coughs up the basketball only nine times per game.

Each team only had one offensive rebound.