Minnesota 72, American 36: Austin Hollins had 20 points and pried away five steals to lead the Gophers over the Eagles in the season opener for both squads in Minneapolis.

Minnesota jumped out to a 15-0 lead off the opening tip on the way to a 44-14 advantage at halftime and never looked back.

Stephen Lumpkins, in his first game for American since the 2010-11 season, led the offense for the Eagles with nine points. Lumpkins, who spent last year playing professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals organization, also contributed nine rebounds.

Rodney Williams added 16 points for Minnesota, which turned 22 American turnovers into 25 points.

The Eagles shot 23.7 percent from the floor and couldn't match up with the Gophers down low, with Minnesota scoring 42 points in the paint.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Senior forward Trevor Mbakwe returned to the lineup for Minnesota after missing all but seven games with a torn ACL a year ago. He totaled four points in 14 minutes of action. ... The Gophers outrebounded American 37-23.