Half-time: Trevor Mbakwe’s strong half not enough as Minnesota trail 34-30

Trevor Mbakwe had 10 points in the first six minutes on Tuesday, but it was not enough for the Minnesota Gophers against the Indiana Hoosiers.

Jordan Hulls and Indiana lead, 34-30, at half.

Hulls exploded for 14 points in the opening half, including four made three-pointers.  The senior seemed to be wide open for much of the half as the fast pace dictated the half.

After struggling for majority of February, Mbakwe started Tuesday with a stellar effort.

His athleticism and fierce abilties caused Williams Arena to erupt after six minutes of play.

Mbakwe had the first three made field goals for Minnesota in the opening half.  The senior tipped in the first bucket before his drained a 20-foot jumpshot and slammed the ball home. He finished with 12 points in the first 20 minutes.

Rodney Williams, Joe Coleman, and Andre Hollins each had four points in the first half.

The Gophers silenced Indiana’s frontcourt in the first half.  Cody Zeller missed all four of his field goals in the opening half and struggled defensive against Minnesota’s starting duo of Williams and Mbakwe.

Christian Watford had zero points as well in the first half and sat for much of the half with two fouls.

The Gophers out-rebounded the Hoosiers, 19-11, in the opening half.  Victor Oladipo added nine points for Indiana.

Tubby Smith and Minnesota are currently 2-4 in the month and February, and Smith has struggled each of his six seasons in February as the Gophers head coach.