Ralph Sampson III scored 20 points and Trevor Mbakwe added 14, leading Minnesota to a 69-55 win over Wofford in the season opener for both teams on Friday night.

Minnesota played without junior guard Devoe Joseph, who has been suspended indefinitely by coach Tubby Smith for a violation of team rules. Smith gave no timetable for Joseph's return. Joseph, Minnesota's best outside shooter, averaged 9.4 points a game last season.

Noah Dahlman, the defending Southern Conference Player of the Year, led Wofford with 15 points. Cameron Rundles added 14 points while Jamar Diggs and Tim Johnnson scored 10 apiece.

Sampson made 7-of-14 shots from the field while Mbakwe was 5-of-7 from the field. Chip Armelin added 11 points for Minnesota.

The Gophers led 31-21 at halftime behind 11 points by Sampson. Wofford made 7-of-24 shots from the field in the first half and was 18-of-48 for the game.