The Gophers, who were 7-0 all-time against Villa Julie, assumed a 23-17 lead on a layup by Tim Merritt with 7:46 remaining in the first half, but the Mustangs (1-0) responded with a 13-0 run that allowed them to open up a 30-23 advantage at the break. Villa Julie's Steve Segears tallied 12 of his game-high 21 points in the first half.
The Mustangs' biggest lead of the contest came midway through the second half when a layup by Anthony Fitzgerald made the score 55-40.
The Gophers (0-1) twice closed to within four points in the final minute of play, the first time on a three-point basket by Conor Martin and then on a layup by C.J. Snipes with only :15 left to play.
Fitzgerald and Kerry Dugan combined for 25 points and 34 rebounds in the victory.
Jonathan Garritt and James Russo shared scoring honors for the Gophers with 19 points apiece.