Paul Carter News

Last update: December 8, 2009 - 5:24 PM What's up, everyone? First: Drive safely.

After losing to Portland and Texas AM last week at the 76 Classic in Anaheim, Calif., the University of Minnesota men's basketball team needed to get back on track against Miami in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have snapped a 15-game losing streak by beating the Denver Nuggets 106-100. Ryan Gomes scored 27 points last night.

Already shorthanded with three players suspended, Gophers men's basketball coach Tubby Smith still sent a message to his starting backcourt of Al Nolen and Lawrence Westbrook by benching them in the first half Sunday.

Derrick Roland scored 19 points to lead Texas A&M to a 66-65 victory over No. 22 Minnesota in the 76 Classic on Sunday.

As he watched Butler's pregame warmups Thursday, a Gophers assistant proclaimed his team's best shot at victory in the opening round of the 76 Classic.

As the Gophers prepare for their toughest stretch of the men's basketball nonconference season, coach Tubby Smith is still toying with his lineup.

Rodney Williams had 17 points, six rebounds and four steals, and the 24th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers used a second- half surge to get past Utah Valley, 76-51. Damian Johnson added 15 points and six boards for Minnesota , which has won all three games at home this season.

Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith might have more depth than anticipated, after starting the year without some of his top newcomers.

High-flying freshman Rodney Williams is literally giving Minnesota a huge lift. Williams had three dunks and a pair of 3s, finishing with 14 points in 17 minutes to help the 24th-ranked Gophers pull away from Stephen F. Austin in an 82-42 victory on Monday night.

I feel bad for the season ticket holders who have to watch us beat up on cupcake teams.

The 25th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers open the 2009-10 season tonight at home against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.

Share + Nov 11, 2009 8:18 am US/Central 1 of 1 Royce White has been suspended from the Gopher basketball team after being arrested for shoplifting at Macy's at Mall of America last month.

Damian Johnson had 16 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals to lead No. 25 Minnesota to a 114-47 win over Minnesota Duluth in an exhibition game Thursday night.

Minnesota coach Tubby Smith has suspended two players indefinitely for breaking team rules.

Trevor Mbakwe acknowledges the crowd after dunking again during scrimmage at Golden Gopher Basketball's 'Tubby's Tipoff' on Friday, October 16, 2009, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minn.

Minnesota has the top nine scorers from last season's NCAA tournament team returning this fall, plus a nationally lauded recruiting class.

Coach: Tubby Smith . Last season's record: 22-11 overall, 9-9 in Big Ten . Postseason: Lost in first round of NCAA tournament to Texas.

If you like what you read here, check out my blog Ballin' is a Habit or follow me on twitter @ ballinisahabit .

I've been gone for nearly a month now on an extended stay-cation. I took some time off to hang out with family, friends and an assortment of challenging golf courses, while gaining a greater appreciation for stay-at-home parents after a three-week stint at home with my toddler.