Sims, Harris spark Michigan past Minnesota

Tribune News Services

MINNEAPOLIS -- DeShawn Sims had 21 of his 27 points for Michigan in the second half, Manny Harris pitched in 20 points, and the Wolverines beat Minnesota 71-63.

Michigan, the Big Ten's worst 3-point shooting team, went 7-for-14 from behind the arc and used that confusing, smothering 1-3-1 zone defense to send the Gophers (5-6, 14-9) to a costly defeat.

Harris added seven assists for the Wolverines (5-7, 12-12), who committed only eight turnovers.

Blake Hoffarber had 16 points and Paul Carter added 11 points off the bench for Minnesota, which briefly tried its own zone defense but had no answer for the sleek Harris and the overpowering Sims. Missing ineligible point guard Al Nolen, the Gophers haven't been able to press effectively or generate much energy on defense.