PALM DESERT, Calif. (Interstat) — The Santa Clara Broncos built a commanding first-half lead and withstood a second-half surge to defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 86-75 in a men’s non-conference basketball game Friday. Santa Clara led by 24 points at halftime after scoring 51 points in the opening period. Minnesota outscored the Broncos by 13 points after halftime but could not overcome the large early deficit. With the win, Santa Clara improved its season record to 7-1. Minnesota fell to an even 4-4 with the loss. The game was played at a neutral site, Acrisure Arena.