Murphy's double-double lifts Gophers over Rutgers
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PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Jordan Murphy scored 17 points and had 11 rebounds to lead Minnesota past Rutgers 72-63 on Saturday.
Nate Mason and Amir Coffey added 16 and 12 points, respectively, for the Gophers (18-7, 6-6 Big Ten). Eric Curry made all five of his shots and scored 11 points.
Rutgers (13-13, 2-11) was led by C.J. Gettys, who had a team-high eight rebounds, and Mike Williams with 14 points each. Corey Sanders added 13 points, five assists and five rebounds.
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The Scarlet Knights, who trailed by 12 early in the second half, cut the lead to five after Williams hit a 3-pointer to make it 66-61 with 4:02 to play. Murphy fouled out at the 2:28 mark with Minnesota leading 68-61 and Rutgers again pulled within five, 68-63, on a Gettys tip-in with 1:44 remaining before the Gophers made four free throws in the final minute.
BIG PICTURE
Minnesota: Ranked No. 24 last month, the Gophers followed up the ranking with five straight losses before reeling off three wins in a row. Minnesota is trying to up its seeding in the Big Ten Tournament and gain a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
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Rutgers: After starting the season 11-1, the Scarlet have fallen to .500 for the first time under first-year coach Steve Pikiell.
UP NEXT
Minnesota: Host to Indiana on Wednesday.
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Rutgers: Travels to Purdue on Tuesday.