Gophers Hold on for Big Win Over Indiana

Early in the game the Gophers had no offensive rhythm. Their spacing was cramped, shots were forced and offensive rebounds were few and far between. Late in the game, the Gophers had trouble with the Hoosier press, had unforced turnovers and committed an ill-advised foul resulting in a crucial Indiana three-point play all the while letting the Hoosiers back in the game after a 15-point deficit. For some the game was ugly, but for the Gophers, the final score of 70-65 was oh so pretty.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers held on Wednesday night to defeat the Indiana Hoosiers, who were one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten heading into the game, winning four straight conference games before Wednesday’s five point loss.

The win was a big one for the Gophers, who used a balanced scoring attack (five players had at least nine points) and were led down the stretch by J’Son Stamper’s tremendous rebounding. Stamper finished with eight rebounds (four on the offensive end) but while the number of total rebounds was impressive, it was the tenacity and timing of his rebounds that brought the crowd to its feet. Stamper also had five of the Gophers last seven points, and all came from the free throw line.

Before Stamper’s rebounding and free throws sealed the Gopher victory, it was a huge 16-2 run to start the second half. The Gophers took a 31-30 lead into halftime, and after shutting down the Hoosier offense for first 10:25 of the second half (IU scored only two points in this 10+ minute stretch), the Gophers jumped out to a commanding 47-32 lead.

The Hoosiers did not back down from the 15-point deficit though as the Bracey Wright–DJ White combination flipped an offensive switch and clawed their way back into the game. Wright and White combined for 23 of Indiana’s 35 second half points, with White scoring 10 straight points for the Hoosiers and single-handedly kept them in the game.

As White cooled down, Wright started to heat up again and had a crucial three-point play (the foul was on Stamper, about his only mishap in the second half) with 12 seconds remaining and cut the Gopher lead to 68-65.

Senior captain, Brent Lawson, sealed the game for the Gophers with two free throws with 10 seconds remaining.

Vincent Grier, who had an off night shooting (4/15 from the field) finished with 15 and five rebounds and hit some crucial free throws in the second half (he finished 7/8 from the free throw line). Jeff Hagen continued his strong post play as he also finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, two of which were crucial blocks late in the second half.

Dan Coleman played very well offensively as he finished with 12 points (5/7 from the field) and showed a variety of moves hitting from outside (2/3 from 3-point land) he put the ball on the floor and drove to the hoop and had a nice post move. Aaron Robinson had nine points (3/5 from 3-point land) including a HUGE three-pointer with 15:47 remaining in the second half, giving the Gophers a 39-30 lead and bringing the crowd to its feet after an IU timeout.

This was a very important win for Dan Monson and the Gophers as they bounced back nicely after Saturday’s home loss to Michigan State. Minnesota improves the Gophers to 14-5 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play. Indiana falls to 9-8 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten.

The Gophers have little time to enjoy this win as they travel to Champaign, Illinois on Saturday to take on the nation’s number one ranked team, the Illinois Fighting Illini. Not only will Illinois look to extend its perfect 20-0 record, but the school officially celebrates its 100th Anniversary and will welcome about 350 former players and coaches throughout the game. In addition, former Illinois coach Lou Henson, will be in attendance and will have a street named after him.