Half-Time: Gophers up 44-35 over Nebraska

Minnesota had the game plan of getting the ball in the paint on Tuesday night.  The result: 15 free throw attempts and seven dunks in the first 20 minutes against Nebraska, including three from Rodney Williams.

Jan 26, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Gophers forward Rodney Williams (33) grabs a rebound as Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (right) looks on during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

The senior jammed it home for the dunk two times in the first few possessions for Minnesota and tallied six points in the first three minutes of play.  He did not stop there as the Gophers went on an early 7-0 run.

Williams had 19 points in the first half along with four rebounds, two assists, and a steal.  After missing the game-tying free-throw at Wisconsin over the weekend, Williams nailed all six of his free throw attempts. The career-high for the senior is 24 points.

Nebraska came out of the gates firing as well, making over 66 percent of its shots in the opening half.  The Gophers lead, 44-35. Ray Gallegos was eight of 10 in the half for 20 points.

Last season, Williams had one of his best outings against Nebraska when he went seven of 10 from the field and stuffed the stat sheet.

The rebounding game was dominated by Minnesota in the first half at Williams Arena, 16-8.  The height of the Cornhuskers was outmatched by the athleticism by Tubby Smith’s squad. The speed allowed a 12-2 run in the middle of the half.

The Hollins’ combined for 15 total points, including nine from Austin Hollins.  After back-to-back struggling performances, Hollins needed a strong game.