Minnesota likely without Hollins for at least next 2 games but Wisconsin win was blueprint
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Minnesota's Maurice Walker shoots a hook shot in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014, in Minneapolis. Walker and DeAndre Mathieu each scored 18 points to lead Minnesota in their 81-68 win. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) (The Associated Press)
Minnesota will be without leading scorer Andre Hollins for a while.
Gophers coach Richard Pitino said Saturday that the junior shooting guard's sprained left ankle was more severe than anticipated. Hollins won't play Sunday at Nebraska, and Pitino said the team was also assuming he will miss at least the game next Saturday against Northwestern.
Malik Smith will start in his place.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Gophers figured out how to win without Hollins, though.
He was hurt on the first possession of the game last Wednesday against No. 9 Wisconsin. The Gophers still went on to win 81-68, with major contributions from DeAndre Mathieu, Austin Hollins and backup Mo Walker.