The Golden Gopher women's basketball team lost a close game to No. 20 Purdue, 57-53 Friday night in West Lafayette. It was the Big Ten Conference opener for both teams. Freshman Rachel Banham led Minnesota with 15-points.

The Gophers men’s basketball team defeated Augustana 72-60 Monday in exhibition action. Trevor Mbakwe led Minnesota with 22 points and 13 rebounds. It was their final tune-up before regular season play begins with a non-conference game against Bucknell Friday night at Williams Arena.

Gophers’ sophomore guard Chip Armelin was granted a release from his scholarship on Monday. He’ll remain at the University of Minnesota until the end of the semester before transferring. The move opens up a scholarship, which could be given to Trevor Mbakwe, if he decides to return for a sixth season.

The Gophers' basketball season may have come to a crashing halt Monday when the University announced Trevor Mbakwe will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Tubby Smith is now facing the challenge of replacing his best player.

The Gophers' basketball team debuted without Trevor Mbakwe Wednesday night and walked out of Williams Arena with a 58-55 win over Virginia Tech in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Rodney Williams played his best game of the season, finishing with 14-points and 8-rebounds.