(Orlando, FL)   --   The University of Minnesota Golden Gopher men's basketball
team is off to a five and oh start after defeating DePaul University 86-85 in
the first round of the Old Spice Classic tournament yesterday (Thursday).
Minnesota was led by the play of their forwards, Senior Trevor Mbakwe scored
16 points and pulled down 12 rebounds and Junior Rodney Williams contributed
a team high 18 points. Minnesota will face Indiana State who is also five and
oh to start the season. The Gophers and Sycamores will tip off in round two
of the Old Spice Classic at 11am this morning. The other two teams who won
their first round matchups in The Old Spice Classic are Dayton and Fairfield
who will meet in the other semifinal at 4pm this afternoon. The championship
and third place games will be played on Sunday.