Gophers drop third straight game, losing 86-75 to Santa Clara

Minnesota dropped to 4-4 after losing to Santa Clara 86-75 on Friday night. Christian Hammond led the way for the Broncos with 20 points but it was a balanced attack with six players in double figures. The Gophers were without two starters and played only seven in the game. Cade Tyson scored 29 for Minnesota and was 12/14 from the free-throw line.

THE STAT: Santa Clara made 16 threes on 31 attempts. Minnesota was 7 of 24.

TURNING POINT: The game got started with the Broncos going on a 9-0 run and the Gophers battled from behind for the entire 40 minutes. Santa Clara used an 11-0 run in the first half to bump their lead up to 35-15 they never looked back. This one was over almost before it began.

NOTABLE: Freshman Kai Shinholster got 22 minutes. Due to the Chancey Willis Jr injury, Shinholster got his most significant action of the season and he shot 2/4 from three for six points. If the season is going to be tough to watch, it would be nice to see the freshman get as much action as possible.

UP NEXT: Minnesota has two upcoming Big Ten games. They host #24 Indiana on Wednesday and then travel to #1 Purdue the following Wednesday.