Gophers men’s basketball hosts exhibition game Monday

The Gophers men’s basketball team will host an exhibition game against Southwest Minnesota State at 7 p.m. Monday at Williams Arena.

It will provide fans an early look at how coach Richard Pitino will start to replace three starters while integrating seven newcomers.

Minnesota was in a closed scrimmage with Iowa State on Oct. 19, a 77-68 overtime win. New transfer guards Marcus Carr and Payton Willis, along with returning starter Gabe Kalscheur, combined for 46 points.

Pitino blogged that he liked the 28 percent 3-point shooting and 51-40 rebound advantage but didn’t care for the 20 turnovers against the Cyclones.

Minnesota’s 2019-20 season opener is  7 p.m. Nov. 5 against Cleveland State at The Barn.