Gophers drop to 1-10 in Big Ten play with loss to Rutgers

By: Tony Liebert |
Feb. 1, 2023: The Gophers weren’t able to get anything going without Dawson Garcia for his third straight game, falling 90-55 in 40 minutes of play.

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Full Game Recap:

  • First Half: Rutgers opened the game with an alley-oop dunk immediately off the tip-off by star big man Clifford Omoruyi. He continued to dominate early with 7 points and 3 rebounds as the Gophers trailed 9-5 heading into the first media timeout. Coach Johnson’s plan for getting back into the game seemed to revolve around Jaden Henley. The true freshman from Cali started 0-6 from the field and Minnesota trailed 18-7. Thanks to impressive first halves from Ta’Lon Cooper and Jamison Battle on the offensive end, they were able to get back into the game but still trailed 27-20 with <4 minutes to go. Minnesota reverted back to its shooting struggles and made 1 of its last 7 shots, trailing 34-24 heading into halftime.

  • Second Half: Rutgers was able to find the success it had early in the game with Cliff Omoruyi back on the floor after dealing with foul trouble. Rutgers first an early UMN timeout and extended its lead to 41-26. Rutgers was playing like one of the best teams in the conference and continued flexing its muscles extending its lead to 68-28 with 14:47 to go. There really wasn’t anything going Minnesota’s way in half No. 2. Rutgers pulled away 90-55.

Instant Reaction:

In my opinion, Rutgers is the second-best team in the Big Ten conference, so the chances of a win on the road without Dawson Garcia were always going to be slim to none. According to KenPom.com Rutgers has the 2nd best defense in the country and it looked like it tonight, Minnesota’s offense looked lost all game shooting 36.1% from the field. The Gophers just do not have the personnel to compete in the Big Ten, especially the top of the conference without Garcia and it showed once again tonight.

On a positive note, I believe Jamison Battle is another step back toward his 2021-22 self. Over the last three games, he has played with a different level of confidence. Joshua Ola-Joseph showed tonight once again why his long-term potential is so high with a carer high 17 points and 8 rebounds. And Ta’Lon Cooper showed that he is more than capable of being a Big Ten PG on a winning team next season.

Minnesota was beaten by a team and program that Gophers fans can only hope for Ben Johnson’s team can develop into. Rutgers and Minnesota are comparable programs historically, Steve Pikiell won SIX (6) conference games in his first two games in Piscataway, he now has Rutgers developed into one of the most consistent programs in the conference. Tonight was another reason why Gophers fans need to be PATIENT with Ben Johnson.

What is Next?:

Minnesota will return to Williams Arena Saturday with a Primetime tilt against Maryland at 8pm local time. Dawson Garcia (bone bruise) has missed three straight games and this team badly needs his production and leadership. The Terrapins have been an up-and-down team all year in Steve Willard’s first season in College Park, but with the Barn working, Minnesota could have a punchers’ chance.

This team simply does not have the personnel to compete with the class of the Big Ten and Rutgers is the class of the Big Ten.

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