Minnesota Sports Briefs: U hockey teams both winners in New England

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BURLINGTON, Vt. - The University of Minnesota men's hockey team swept its weekend series at Vermont with a 3-1 win Saturday evening to improve to 8-2-2 overall.

The No. 4 ranked Golden Gophers scored two goals in the second period and added a third to go ahead 3-0 in the third period. Tom Serratore, A.J. Michaelson and Nate Condon all scored for the Gophers and winning goalie Adam Wilcox made 26 saves.

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The No. 1 ranked and undefeated University of Minnesota women's team annihilated New Hampshire in Durham, N.H. 10-2. Hannah Brandt ahd a hat trick for the Gophers and Amanda Kessel scored twice. Brandt also had two assists and Kessel had three assists. Megan Bozek and Neghan Lorence also had two assist for the U. Minnesota goalie Noora Raty hardly broke a sweat as she stopped seven of the UNH's nine shots on goal. The Wildcats used three goalies during the game.

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Le'Veon Bell rushed 35 times for 266 yards and a touchdown to lift the Michigan State Spartans to a 26-10 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten bout at TFC Stadium.

Minnesota played the second half without coach Jerry Kill after he suffered a seizure in the locker room during the intermission. He went home afterward and university officials said he was fine.

Andrew Maxwell went 13-of-29 for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while under center for Michigan State (6-6, 3-5 Big Ten), which became bowl eligible with the win. Bennie Fowley made an impact in the passing game with seven receptions for 101 yards and a score. Johnny Adams had a big time performance on the defensive side of the ball as he recorded two of the team's four interceptions. The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Spartans. Minnesota (6-6, 2-6) was held to a season-low 96 yards of total offense and used three different quarterbacks in the contest. Philip Nelson completed 10- of-23 attempts for 61 yards and three interceptions, Max Shortell, who also picked off, went 3-of-6 for 31 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Keanon Cooper made eight tackles, two tackles for loss, and forced a fumble as the Golden Gophers lost their second in a row to close out the regular season.

The Spartans struck first as Dan Conroy booted a 48-yard field goal less than four minutes after kickoff to give the visitors an early three-point lead.Minnesota was unable to get anything going on offense, but Aaron Hill returned an interception 33 yards across the goal line with at the 4:43 mark of the first quarter to give it a 7-3 advantage on the scoreboard. Michigan State cut into the deficit with a 43-yard field goal. There were no points scored in the second quarter until Maxwell completed a 41-yard touchdown pass to Fowler with 1:28 left before the half. The big-play concluded a 10-play, 82-yard drive and sent MSU into the intermission with a 13-7 lead.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin is doubtful for Sunday's matchup with NFC North rival Chicago Bears. Harvin, who sprained his left ankle in three places during the third quarter of a Week 9 loss at Seattle, did not participate in practice this week and has missed each game since the injury. The Vikings were hopeful to have Harvin back following the team's Week 11 bye, but the four-year pro was unable to return to the practice field this week. Additionally, guard Charlie Johnson (toe) was listed as questionable while running back Adrian Peterson (ankle), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (foot) and cornerback Antoine Winfield (knee) were all listed as probable for Sunday's game.

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