UPDATE: The Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball team delivered a stunning performance this morning, defeating Alcorn State 95-50 at Williams Arena. The Gophers’ defense was impenetrable, not allowing a single field goal until 12:10 remained in the first half, soaring to a commanding 17-0 lead early in the game.
This victory marks the Gophers’ largest margin since a 46-point win over Northern Michigan in 1976. The team, now 2-0, has showcased remarkable defensive prowess in their season opener, previously holding Gardner-Webb without a field goal until 11:17 remained in the first half of their 87-60 win earlier this week.
Head coach Niko Medved emphasized the importance of being ready for the 11 a.m. tip-off, challenging his players to start strong. “Guys’ mentality was awesome,” Medved stated. “We were really locked in defensively, 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, which included 10 points during their explosive start. Despite the impressive win, it’s important to note that Alcorn State fell to 0-3 and ranked 328th out of 365 teams nationally according to analytics site KenPom.
As Minnesota prepares for a significant challenge against Missouri on Wednesday, Medved acknowledged that while the strong starts have been promising, they are based on fundamental principles applicable to any opponent. “The players have been really locked in, whether it’s been practice or walkthroughs,” he added.
Highlighting individual performances, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson achieved his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. His defense against Alcorn State’s leading scorer, Nick Woodward, was particularly noteworthy, holding him scoreless on 0-for-5 shooting. “It was coming out and getting stops,” Crocker-Johnson said. “We emphasized it all week.”
Point guard Chansey Willis, who did not score in the season opener, led the first half with 11 points and finished with 13 points overall. Cade Tyson, after a stellar performance against Gardner-Webb, contributed 21 points, including a remarkable 10 of 11 from the free-throw line.
The Gophers faced some roster challenges, with BJ Omot and Grayson Grove sidelined due to injuries, and Isaac Asuma playing through back pain. Despite having only nine players available, the Gophers maintained their intensity and focus throughout the game.
As the Gophers look ahead to their matchup against Missouri, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can continue this momentum against tougher competition. Stay tuned for updates as this exciting season unfolds!
