The Gophers men’s basketball team traveled east to Blacksburg, Virginia, to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in the annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge Monday night.

Minnesota opened the game shooting six of twelve from the field, with five different players scoring. The Gophers led 13-11 at the 12:07 mark in the first half, but a three-point shot from Grant Basile would give the lead to the Hokies.

Pharrel Payne led the Gophers back to tie the game at 22, but the Hokies responded immediately by going on a 13-0 run, ultimately taking a 39-27 lead into halftime.

The second half opened with Gophers star forward Jamison Battle sinking a deep three-pointer for his first points of the game. Once again, the Hokies responded with a 15-6 run to give themselves a commanding 18-point lead over the Gophers with just under 12 minutes remaining.

Minnesota’s younger players got some experience; four true freshmen closed out the game strong with a 14-4 run. It was too little too late though and the Gophers ended up falling short by 10 points with a final score of 67-57.

The rebounding margin had a major impact on Monday’s result. Minnesota was outrebounded by Virginia Tech 42-27. The Hokies tied their season high for rebounds attained.

Minnesota, on the other hand, held a 27-15 advantage in bench points and had seven steals compared to just two for the Hokies. Freshman big man Payne and Ta’Lon Cooper led the Gophers, both with 13 points.

Monday’s loss to Virginia Tech is a second straight defeat for the Gophers as they now move to 4-3 on the season.

Minnesota is set to open Big Ten play on Sunday in West Lafayette, Indianna, against No. 5 ranked Purdue.