Minneapolis, MN (Betting Express) - Devron Bostick scored a team-high 19 points, leading the 22nd-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers to a 79-59 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Paul Carter posted 14 points for the Gophers (15-1, 3-1 Big Ten), who are off to their best start since the 1948-49 season. Lawrence Westbrook added 13 points, and Ralph Sampson 10 in the victory.

"We knew Penn State was going to be a tough challenge for us, but I thought our kids were very focused," said Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith. "They came in ready. It was a good win for us. We shot the ball well and when you shoot the ball as well as we did today, you're going to win a lot of games no matter who you play."

Minnesota was scintillating from the floor, shooting 62.5 percent overall from the field and 9-of-9 from three-point range.

Talor Battle totaled 19 points and nine assists for the Nittany Lions (13-4, 2-2), who had won six of their last seven games. Jamelle Cornley had 10 points and six rebounds, and Stanley Pringle added seven points in the loss.

"I think (Minnesota) played a complete game tonight," Penn State head coach Ed DeChellis said. "Hats off to them, they shot the ball well and their bench took over. Bostick and Carter came in and really helped them. I think they're very deep. It's a long race, a long year, but they're really a good basketball team. We'll see how the season plays out."

Trailing 10-9 early, Minnesota went on a 12-2 run, draining four three- pointers -- capped by a pair of treys from Bostick to take a 21-12 lead midway through the opening half.

Penn State cut its deficit to three, 31-28, on Battle's layup with four minutes left, but the Gophers scored three of the last four baskets to end the period, taking a 40-30 lead on Carter's dunk with two seconds left.

The teams went back-and-forth for the start of the second half, and Carter's three-ball off a steal put Minnesota up 59-44 with 12:15 left.

Sampson's layup with 7:49 left put the hosts up by 21, and Minnesota cruised to victory from there.

Game Notes

Minnesota leads the all-time series, 24-7, including a 15-1 mark at home...This was the first time Penn State lost by more than six points all season...The Lions shot just 36.7 percent from the field and 9-of-27 from long range...Penn State next hosts Michigan State Wednesday while Minnesota will travel to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers Thursday.