MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Lawrence Westbrook led Minnesota with 17 points and the Gophers rallied from 13 down in the second half to defeat Cornell 71-54 on Saturday.
After facing a soft group of opening opponents, the Gophers (8-0) passed their toughest test so far with a 25-2 second-half run and are off to their best start since 1976-77, when Minnesota started 11-0.
Minnesota trailed most of the first half, and was down by 13 when sophomore Blake Hoffarber had a scary leg injury early in the second after going for a loose ball.
After being helped off the court, Minnesota responded by scoring 13 consecutive points.
Westbrook's fast-break layup with 9:04 left put Minnesota on top 49-48, and the Gophers never trailed again.
Minnesota native Ryan Wittman led the Big Red with 21 points, but Cornell (4-5) has lost three straight.
