Minnesota rolled to a 95-77 win against Western Kentucky in the first round of the Honda Puerto Rico Tip-Off.

Forward Ralph Sampson III led the Gophers with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Every Minnesota starter scored in double digits.

Minnesota (3-0) once again played without guard Devoe Joseph, who is serving an indefinite suspension for violating team rules. Joseph averaged 9.4 points per game last season.

The Hilltoppers (2-1) matched the Gophers early in the game and tied things up at 25-25 with 4:43 to go in the first half, but couldn’t capture the lead. Poor shooting hurt the Hilltoppers, who were 37.5 percent from the field compared to the Gophers’ 62.5 percent accuracy.

Western Kentucky played a high-pressure defense that picked off 12 steals. Minnesota's defense responded with 10 blocks.

Western Kentucky forward Steffphon Pettigrew scored a game-high 25 points on 9-of-18 field goal shooting.

Both teams will continue tournament play Friday. Minnesota faces North Carolina and freshman sensation Harrison Barnes, while Western Kentucky will take on Hofstra.