UPDATE: The Gophers men’s basketball team delivered a spectacular performance on Saturday, demolishing Alcorn State with a stunning 95-50 victory at Williams Arena. Minnesota’s relentless defense was the key, stifling Alcorn State and not allowing a single basket until 12:10 remained in the first half.
The Gophers surged to an early 17-0 lead, marking their largest margin of victory since 1976, when they won by 46 points against Northern Michigan. This dominating display reflects a powerful start to the season under head coach Niko Medved, as Minnesota improved to 2-0 following their opening game victory against Gardner-Webb.
“Guys’ mentality was awesome,” Medved stated. “We were really locked in defensively and hustling on the glass. Our defense led to some early offense, and we just never looked back.”
The Gophers capitalized on Alcorn State’s mistakes, scoring 27 points off 16 turnovers. Minnesota’s impressive defensive performance limited Alcorn State to a mere 0-for-5 shooting display from their leading scorer, Nick Woodward, who was held scoreless.
Chansey Willis, the point guard who previously struggled, led the Gophers with 11 points in the first half and finished with 13 points and 4 assists. Meanwhile, Cade Tyson, who scored 30 points in the season opener, added 21 points to the scoreboard, showcasing his free-throw prowess with 10 of 11 accuracy.
Despite the thrilling win, context is crucial. Alcorn State now sits at 0-3 and is ranked 328th out of 365 teams, according to analytics site KenPom. The Gophers will face a tougher challenge next as they prepare to meet Missouri on Wednesday.
Medved noted the importance of their defensive strategy and player focus during practices and film sessions. “The players have been really locked in,” he said. The team’s commitment is evident in their impressive starts, with over 16 minutes without allowing a basket across both games.
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, a key player transferred from Colorado State, recorded his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. His standout defense has been crucial, particularly in the matchup against Woodward.
While injuries kept BJ Omot and Grayson Grove sidelined, the Gophers demonstrated depth with only nine players suited up. The team’s resilience and determination to dominate will be tested as they move forward, seeking to maintain this momentum against stronger opponents.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Gophers continue their season, striving to build on this impressive start.
