Half-time: Gophers struggling against Gators, down 48-27

Mar 24, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Rodney Williams (33) shoots against Florida Gators forward/center Erik Murphy (33) during the first half in the third round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at Frank Erwin Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Gophers are down 48-27 at half-time to the Florida Gators in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Gophers had trouble hanging with the Gators, who are shooting 65 percent from the field and have knocked down seven of their 14 three-point attempts.

Minnesota is shooting just 37 percent but really the only offense is coming from Austin and Andre Hollins, who have 17 points combined.

Turnovers, fouls and rebounding have also become glaring issues in this game for Minnesota. The Gophers committed 10 turnovers in the first half, including three a piece from Andre Hollins and Trevor Mbakwe — both players also have two fouls.

In a statistic that the Gophers should be winning in, Minnesota is being out rebounded by Florida 15-8. Missed shots have certainly played into the numbers but the Gators are getting more second chance opportunities than Minnesota.

The 21-point lead equals the largest of the game for three-seeded Florida.

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