Preview: Gophers vs. Holy Cross

A couple points here, a couple free throws there, and the Gophers could be sporting a 4-1 record with a couple of victories over major-conference opponents. Instead, they’re sitting at 2-3 and are coming off a potentially devastating loss to Florida State, a game in which they held a 14-point lead midway through the second half. For many Minnesota fans, that sounds all too familiar from previous seasons.

As for the Holy Cross Crusaders, they’re also trying to rebound from a disappointing season, although their disappointment needs to be put into a slightly different context. After winning the Patriot League three consecutive years from 2001-2003, the Crusaders finished a disappointing 5th ast season. With 4 starters and 10 letterwinners returning and arguably the conference’s top coach in Ralph Willard though, they’re looking to return to the top. Most predictions have them finishing 3rd or 4th in the league this year, but they’ll be aiming higher than that.

The Crusaders are 3-1 on the season, with a trio of comfortable wins (Boston U, Harvard, Marist) and a tough 3-point loss to Princeton. Just like last year (when they ranked #7 in points allowed), defense is leading the way. Princeton’s 56 points are the most they’ve given up so far. Offense is another story however, as the Crusaders are shooting just 44% from the field (a number greatly inflated by their 27-point trouncing of Marist) and have only surpassed 60 points on one occasion (again, the trouncing of Marist).

Holy Cross is led by 6’3″ junior guard Kevin Hamilton, who was a second-team all-conference player as a sophomore. He averaged 11 points per game last year and is up to 14 points (along with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) this season. Second on the team with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, is 5’11” sophomore Torey Thomas. Rounding out the Crusader’s talented backcourt are 6’4″ sophomore Keith Simmons (9 ppg) and 6’3″ senior Greg Kinsey (7 ppg).

The frontcourt is the reason Holy Cross isn’t expected to get back to the top of the conference this year. 6’11” senior Nate Lufkin has decent ability, but he regressed a bit last season (his 9 ppg and 5 rpg were ok but not dominant). 2004-05 has been the same story so far, as Lufkin is averaging just 8 points and 5 boards. Taking a step up has been 6’7″ senior wing John Hurley, who is averaging 7 points and 6 rebounds in 32 minutes per game.

Here are my Gopher Keys of the Game:

1. Aggressively Patient. Holy Cross has built a reputation as being one of the best defensive teams in the country. Their secret is quick guards, quick hands (their were 7th in the country in steals last season), and discipline. While the Crusaders haven’t faced any offensive juggernauts so far, the Gophers have had their share of offensive struggles. The Gophers are going to have to get easy points when they can by getting out in transition and also by being aggressive and getting to the free throw line. The rest of the time, they’re going to have to be patient and look for a good shot. Inside-out should be the key, as Minnesota will have a size advantage.

2. Get it Back. Sorry if I’ve used this multiple times before, but the Gophers need to get back to being tough and focussed on defense and on the boards. They were solid (but not dominant) on the boards against Florida State and played good defense in stretches, but they couldn’t come up with stops when it mattered down the stretch. The Crusaders are small and don’t have a very dynamic offense (they have some quickness and a couple of 3-point shooters, but that’s about it), so this will be a good opportunity for Minnesota to get some defensive and rebounding momentum going.

3. Fogetaboutit. At times in previous seasons, the Gophers have seemed to take a downward spiral after disappointing losses. This is a new team with new players though, and they need to change that. Looking forward, staying upbeat, and continuing to improve is what matters. If the Gophers have a late lead in this game, they need to stay aggressive and keep doing what got them there.

Holy Cross sounds like the kind of team that could come in and surprise some people. They play good defense, so if their 3-pointers are falling, they might be tough to get rid of. They don’t have a Princeton-type offense, but it might take the same type of patient approach to beat them. And it might not be pretty. My prediction: Minnesota 64 Holy Cross 56.

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