Injuries have been a steady subplot in the Gophers men’s basketball team’s preseason.
Point guard Lu’Cye Patterson returned from a shoulder injury for the second exhibition game — a 79-57 win over Hamline at Williams Arena on Tuesday — but starting forward Frank Mitchell left with an apparent shoulder injury of his own very early in the first half.
Minnesota has been without guards Femi Odukale (hip) and Tyler Cochran (foot) for both tune-ups, including a 90-65 win over Bemidji State on Oct. 19. Odukale is not expected to be out long, while Cochran could be sidelined into December.
On Tuesday, Brennan Rigsby led Minnesota with 16 points, including 4 three-pointers. The Oregon transfer first showed his range during the win over the Beavers 10 days ago.
Minnesota staked a 42-25 halftime lead. Both teams shot over 50 percent, but the Gophers often limited the Pipers to one shot per possession. The U out-rebounded Hamline 36-20.
Key Gophers players — Dawson Garcia, Mike Mitchell and Parker Fox — did not play more than 18 minutes. Garcia had 11 points, while Fox and Mitchell each contributed nine.
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