Against a vastly overmatched opponent, the Gophers men’s basketball team showed Monday night what could be.

Cade Tyson scored 30 points, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson dominated inside with 13 points and 14 rebounds, and Minnesota rolled Gardner-Webb 87-60 in its season opener at Williams Arena.

Langston Reynolds had 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench for aggressive, athletic Minnesota.

The Gophers led 20-1 less than six minutes into the game, 37-10 just over 10 minutes later, and 53-20 at the half. Minnesota’s largest lead was 35 twice in the second half.

Minnesota shot 54.5%, including 62.5% in the first half, had a 46-24 advantage on points in the paint, and 45-31 in rebounds. The cutting-heavy, ball-moving and unselfish offense finished with 25 assists on 30 baskets.

It was the fir

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