The Minnesota Gophers got their second Big Ten Conference win on Wednesday in State College against Penn State, 68-65. It was a game of runs but the Gophers prevailed in the end, thanks to solid free throw shooting by Malik Smith, who despite shooting 0-for-5 from the field, connected on all six of his free throw attempts at the end of the game to seal the win.
Jan 8, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Donovon Jack (5) passes the ball as Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Deandre Mathieu (4) guards during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Minnesota defeated Penn State 68-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Jan 8, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Tim Frazier (23) passes the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Bryce Jordan Center. Minnesota defeated Penn State 68-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Jan 8, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Ross Travis (43) guards Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Joey King (24) during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Minnesota defeated Penn State 68-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Jan 8, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Ross Travis (43) drives the ball to the basket during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Bryce Jordan Center. Minnesota defeated Penn State 68-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Jan 8, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Joey King (24) drives the ball around Penn State Nittany Lions forward Ross Travis (43) during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Minnesota defeated Penn State 68-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Jan 8, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers center Elliott Eliason (55) drives the ball to the basket as Penn State Nittany Lions forward Ross Travis (43) guards during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Minnesota defeated Penn State 68-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Jan 8, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Ross Travis (43) drives the ball to the basket as Minnesota Golden Gophers center Elliott Eliason (55) guards during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Minnesota defeated Penn State 68-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O