Chip column: A night like this provides hope. It provides belief that maybe better days are around the corner.

BleedGopher

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Per Chip:

A night like this provides hope. It provides belief that maybe better days are around the corner.

The Gophers men’s basketball program has wandered through the wilderness for a long time. Way too long, which is why a moment like what unfolded Wednesday night feels like sunrays poking through clouds.

On paper, the Gophers had no business of winning their Big Ten opener against the Indiana Hoosiers.

Riding a three-game losing streak — and not against powerhouse programs either — the Gophers were missing three of their top eight players because of injury, including starting point guard Chansey Willis Jr.

The Hoosiers came to town undefeated and ranked No. 22 nationally.

The Gophers didn’t flinch.


Go Gophers!!
 







It's the first game in a long time, where I felt we weren't outcoached! Playing the post guys straight up, and not giving open three's was a great plan. Also, having 5 guys who can potentially hit an outside shot made the court very spread out of offense.
I like that Niko is willing to be flexible with his lineups. Turner started after vaihola was hurt, then Grove and now Durkin. The starting 5 against IU probably the best way to go with current available players. Going to be tough against teams with a legit center obviously. Much better than rolling out the same 5 every night regardless of performance or matchups.
 

Beating an undefeated, nationally ranked team provides hope.

Fresh take.
 







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