Minnesota @ Providence preview

Minnesota coach Richard Pitino returns to his alma mater as the 15th-ranked Golden Gophers visit Providence on Monday night as part of the Gavitt Tipoff Games between teams from the Big Ten and Big East. Minnesota has most of its key players back from a team that won 24 games, and scored 92 points in its season opener, while the Friars put up 84 in their first game of the campaign as they begin the quest for a fifth straight NCAA Tournament berth.

“I can’t remember playing this tough a road game so early,” said Pitino, who graduated from Providence in 2005 where he was a team manager for the basketball team under coach Tim Welsh, “so our guys have got to wake up and be ready to roll.” Junior forward Jordan Murphy is hoping for an encore after recording a career-high 35 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in the Golden Gophers’ 15-point victory over South Carolina Upstate on Friday. Providence will be looking for the balanced offense it received in Friday’s 84-55 win over Houston Baptist and another double-double from senior point guard Kyron Cartwright, who had 10 points and 10 assists. The Friars were without two of last season’s double-figure scorers in the opener due to injuries, but senior guard Jalen Lindsey (knee) is considered day-to-day.

TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

ABOUT MINNESOTA (1-0): Murphy made 13-of-22 from the field along with grabbing nine offensive rebounds Friday and told reporters, “Makes me feel good that the guys have confidence to keep going to me until they stop me.” Senior center Reggie Lynch also had a double-double in the opener with 15 points and 10 boards while senior guard Nate Mason chipped in with 11 points and four assists. Highly-touted freshman point guard Isaiah Washington struggled in his debut, going 1-of-9 from the field (1-for-7 from 3-point range), but did dish out five assists.

ABOUT PROVIDENCE (1-0): Sophomore guard Maliek White came off the bench to lead the way with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting in 18 minutes Friday and may keep that role. “That definitely fits me,” White told the Providence Journal. “I love to come in and give the team energy with my defensive effort. I like to be an energy guy and play fast.” Junior guard Isaiah Jackson chipped in with 11 points and drained 3-of-4 from 3-point range in the opener while last season’s leading scorer, senior forward Rodney Bullock (15.7) was held to seven points and six boards.

TIP-INS

1. Minnesota sophomore G Amir Coffey, who averaged 12.2 points as a freshman, looks to rebound from a 2-for-7 shooting effort in the opener.

2. Providence senior F Emmitt Holt, who averaged 12.5 points last season, is out indefinitely due to an abdomen injury.

3. The Golden Gophers have won both previous meetings - the last in the 1993 NIT semifinals 76-70.

PREDICTION: Minnesota 72, Providence 64