STrib: Struggling Minnesota basketball teams show signs of hope

[BleedGopher]

per Rand:

The narrative with the Gophers men’s basketball team and the Timberwolves in recent weeks has changed from “hopeless” to “getting closer” as blowout losses have given way to much more competitive losses.

The Gophers are 0-10 in Big Ten play; the first five losses were by an average of 16.4 points, while the past five have been by an average of 5.4 points. The Wolves, too, have been playing a more entertaining style even while losing four of their past five games — most of which were close games for long stretches.

The question now becomes: Does this signify genuine improvement for both teams or merely a different way to lose? After all, basketball has become much like football — a sport with outcomes derived so often by a handful of critical plays at the ends of games. Bad teams can look good for much of a game, only to be overwhelmed when it matters most.

http://www.startribune.com/struggling-minnesota-basketball-teams-show-signs-of-hope/367161881/

Go Gophers!!

 

[Blitzkrieg]

per Rand:

The narrative with the Gophers men’s basketball team and the Timberwolves in recent weeks has changed from “hopeless” to “getting closer” as blowout losses have given way to much more competitive losses.

The Gophers are 0-10 in Big Ten play; the first five losses were by an average of 16.4 points, while the past five have been by an average of 5.4 points. The Wolves, too, have been playing a more entertaining style even while losing four of their past five games — most of which were close games for long stretches.

The question now becomes: Does this signify genuine improvement for both teams or merely a different way to lose? After all, basketball has become much like football — a sport with outcomes derived so often by a handful of critical plays at the ends of games. Bad teams can look good for much of a game, only to be overwhelmed when it matters most.

http://www.startribune.com/struggling-minnesota-basketball-teams-show-signs-of-hope/367161881/

Go Gophers!!

I'm hopeful based on their last couple of games. Sure they haven't closed the deal at the end but their effort has intensified. Losing to some top teams by a handful of points but recognizing their improved ability to play is exciting, especially with their young talent. They are building a foundation and their younger players have shown an ability to step up. Let's see where this goes. I'm trying to believe...