STrib: Michael Hurt steps up in a major way for Gophers

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BleedGopher

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per Marcus:

Michael Hurt steps up in a major way for Gophers

For the first time this season, the Gophers had to figure out how to play without Payton Willis for an entire game, but they made up for the loss of their injured guard by committee in Saturday’s 86-66 victory Oklahoma State.

Willis, who averages 11 points and led the team with 27 three-pointers through nine games, watched from the sideline in a walking boot to rest his sore left ankle.

Freshman Tre’ Williams earned the first start of his career, but senior Michael Hurt also helped to make up for the absence of a veteran presence in the rotation.

When the Cowboys turned up the pressure after falling behind early in the first half, the Gophers looked to Hurt, who played a season-high 27 minutes. He scored seven points on 3-for-3 shooting, but it was his defense and steadiness taking care of the ball that made the biggest difference Saturday.

“Michael Hurt stepped up big time,” coach Richard Pitino said. “He was plus-26 in the plus-minus. He was ready to go. That’s what a senior captain needs to be about. I thought he was terrific.”

Willis missed the second half Sunday vs. Ohio State, but he was first hobbled in a Dec. 9 loss at Iowa.

Pitino said players will get the next three days off for Christmas before they practice again Friday before Saturday’s game vs. Florida International.

Michael Hurt steps up in a major way for Gophers

www.startribune.com www.startribune.com

Go Gophers!!
 


He looks a lot more confident this year IMO. Looks like he belongs. Last year he looked nervous, like he didn't want to make a mistake.
 

I’ll reserve judgment on his ability “to step up big time” and wait and see if this type of play becomes consistent. He hasn’t demonstrated in his tenure an ability to make big strides and be a reliable contributor. I think we’ve all hoped by now he would step up but it’s been slow going.
 

Obviously a big plus if Hurt can continue to contribute like he did in the OSU game. Nice to see him playing with more confidence. Now if we could only play Duke and see him beat his brother. How sweet would that be!
 


GophersInIowa said:
He looks a lot more confident this year IMO. Looks like he belongs. Last year he looked nervous, like he didn't want to make a mistake.
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That has been his main problem, confidence. He has enough talent to be a solid contributor to the team, hopefully he can build on this.
 

Blitzkrieg said:
I’ll reserve judgment on his ability “to step up big time” and wait and see if this type of play becomes consistent. He hasn’t demonstrated in his tenure an ability to make big strides and be a reliable contributor. I think we’ve all hoped by now he would step up but it’s been slow going.
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The article is about Hurt stepping up in the Oklahoma State game, which he did. There’s no need to reserve judgement on something that already happened. It’s okay to give credit where credit is due. Hurt played great.
 

Keyser Söze said:
The article is about Hurt stepping up in the Oklahoma State game, which he did. There’s no need to reserve judgement on something that already happened. It’s okay to give credit where credit is due. Hurt played great.
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He played great and has made other important contributions to the program. Has handled himself with class.
 

He played great and to me, looks alot stronger this year. Overall, he's been kind of a disappointment after his 4 star rating, but he is a "program" kid and has stuck with it.
 




He's played well this season so far. Kind of nice surprise. I kept expecting this kind of play from him the past few years.
 

Chucklehead said:
He's played well this season so far. Kind of nice surprise. I kept expecting this kind of play from him the past few years.
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Must have been in the weightroom. Also, he has nothing to lose. Let er all hang out Michael.
 




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