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.

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 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.

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.

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.