MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.--On Tuesday night, the Hamline University men's basketball team fell to the University of Minnesota 79-57 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. This exhibition game marked the sixth all-time match between the Pipers and Gophers, the first since a 31-24 loss on December 8, 1934. For the Gophers, it was the third-straight season facing a MIAC team, following a 97-73 win over Macalester in 2023-24 and a 71-55 victory against St. Olaf in 2022-23.
Minnesota led the first half against the Pipers with a dominant 42-25 score, largely due to their superior shooting efficiency, hitting 16-of-27 baskets, including 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. However, Hamline battled back from a 19-0 deficit with 15:47 left in the first half, and outscored the Gophers 25-23 from that point until the 42-25 halftime margin.
In the second half, Minnesota narrowly outscored Hamline by a 37-32 score, fueled by a strong inside game with 18 points in the paint and five successful three-pointers. The Gophers' bench contributed significantly with 20 points, while their defense forced nine Piper turnovers. Despite shooting a higher field goal percentage at 60% compared to Minnesota's 44.1%, the Pipers struggled with turnovers and fouls, committing nine turnovers and 10 fouls.
Bradley Cimperman led Hamline with an impressive performance, scoring 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including a three-pointer, and connecting on 4-of-6 free throws.
Raoul Vaidya contributed significantly with nine points, shooting 4-of-8 from the field and adding three rebounds.
Camden Holecek was efficient, scoring six points on 3-of-4 shooting and grabbing three rebounds.
Dominic Dosmann showcased his play-making ability with four assists, while also adding five points and a block.
For Minnesota, several players stood out in their performance. Isaac Asuma led the team in assists with five. Mike Mitchell Jr. showcased his shooting prowess by making three 3-pointers and also contributed defensively with three steals. Trey Edmonds was a force on the boards, pulling down seven rebounds and adding two blocks, highlighting his defensive presence. Brennan Rigsby led the scoring with 16 points, shooting 60% from the field and hitting four 3-pointers. Additionally, Parker Fox made an impact on defense with two steals.
The Pipers will open their 2024-25 regular season at Hutton Arena on Saturday, November 9 against Northwestern (Minn.) at 5 p.m.
