Posted at: 11/05/2009 9:15 PM | KSAX.com
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Minnesota Beats up UMD 114-47 in Exhibition

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - 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.

Lawrence Westbrook, the other senior in Minnesota's starting lineup, scored 19 points.

With suspended newcomers Trevor Mbakwe and Royce White watching in shirts and ties, the Gophers missed some muscle inside but that didn't matter. The Bulldogs made just one trip to the free-throw line.

One touted recruit who did play for Minnesota was Rodney Williams, who had eight points, two steals and one soaring dunk over the final five minutes of the first half. The student section even started chanting his name.

Ryan Rasmussen scored 12 points for Minnesota Duluth, which went 10 for 25 from 3-point range. The Division II program returns three starters and its top five reserves from last season's 20-11 team.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)