Tuesday's Shootaround: Minnesota comes back to earth; TCU surprises

ACC/Big Ten Challenge Scoreboard:

• ACC: 1
• Big Ten: 0

Virginia 87, Minnesota 79: The Golden Gophers looked like they were going to run away with this thing early on. They jumped out to an early 14-5 lead and cruised to a 39-29 advantage at the half. Minnesota seemed to be in firm control, as UVA was only in contention due to an incredible display of shooting -- they were 6-6 from beyond the arc in the first half.

In the second half, however, Minnesota simply could not get a stop. There is not a lot of consistent offensive production in the Gophers lineup -- especially with Al Nolen out -- so when they aren't playing defense like a Tubby Smith team, they aren't going to be winning many games. In the second half tonight, they weren't playing defense like a Tubby Smith team.

One other note: Minnesota with Devoe Joseph in the lineup instead of Nolen is a much different team. He's their best defender on the perimeter, and the guy that orchestrates that offense. Joseph did have 16 points, but their offense did not look as smooth.

TCU 81, USC 69: So TCU found out that they would be joining the Big East today. Everyone proceeded to hate on the TCU basketball program. So what did they do? Go out and knock off a major conference opponent. To be fair, its just USC -- who also lost to Rider at home -- but the irony of this win simply cannot be ignored.

VMI 151, Central Pennsylvania 92: Central Pennsylvania is not a D-I school, but 151 points is 151 points. VMI was 21-48 from three and seven players scored at least 16 points.

Other Notable Scores

• No. 5 Kansas State 85, Emproia State 61
• No. 13 Baylor 90, Prarie View A&M 45
• Seton Hall 69, St. Peter's 49