COL BKB: Minnesota 83, St. Joseph's 73

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Blake Hoffarber hit two 3-pointers during a 13-point surge Wednesday that led No. 20 Minnesota to an 83-73 victory over Saint Joseph's.

The Gophers improved to 8-1, their lone loss having come Nov. 29 against Virginia.

Minnesota held only a 38-37 lead with 16:30 to play before going on its key run. The Hawks later closed within three, but Devoe Joseph hit a 3-pointer with 4:24 to go to halt the Saint Joseph's comeback.

Joseph scored 19 points, Hoffarber had 14 and Trevor Mbakwe added 12 to go with 16 rebounds.

Carl Jones had 29 points for the Hawks (3-6).