The Gophers used pressure defense and three-point shooting to fuel a 69-51 win over UMass in the Barclays Center Classic. Jordan Murphy tallied another double-double, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Amir Coffey added ten points and the Gophers created ten key first half turnovers to improve their record to 5-0.
Gophers get the three-point shots to fall
The Gophers shot 5-for-8 from the three-point line in the first half and killed the Minutemen in transition. UMass didn’t have any answers for the Gophers’ ability to space the floor and pass. Jamir Harris hit a three-pointer from the corner and Michael Hurt drilled a transition three off an assist from point guard Isaiah Washington. Jordan Murphy added a three at the top of the key and the Gophers led by 12 with six minutes left in the first half. After being tied at six early in the game, Minnesota got into transition. Nate Mason and Amir Coffey had two easy layups and the Gophers never looked back. They finished the afternoon shooting 6-for-15 from behind the arc and it allowed them to extend their lead. Transition three-point opportunities are something this can flourish from.
Strong defensive effort for the Gophers
Minnesota has struggled to defend the three-point line in games this year, but held the Minutemen to just 5-for-21 shooting behind the arc. Entering the game, teams were tallying a 45 percent average from the three-point line against Minnesota. Some of this was related to defense, but much of it was due to opposing team’s shooting success. Friday morning was an example of this as the Minutemen struggled to hit contested shots. The Gophers’ defense was very active, forcing ten first half turnovers. UMass was taking errant shots and didn’t move the ball because of Minnesota’s pressure defense.
In the first half, enter Reggie Lynch delivered a massive blocked shot as UMass attempted to get on the run. Lynch sprinted ahead of the guard and swatted the shot off the backboard and into the backcourt. It was a highlight reel play and may end up being one of Lynch’s best defensive plays this year. The Minutemen didn’t creep over 30 percent shooting until the midway point of the second half. Minnesota was forcing rushed shots and creating deflections to get into transition. More importantly, their big-men managed to stay out of foul trouble. This type of discipline will be a major key as the season progresses. In addition, the Gophers have allowed just 11 free throw attempts over the past two games, which shows how well they are playing defense without fouling. Reggie Lynch has been working hard to eliminate unnecessary fouls and was able to to do so on Friday. Minnesota must keep their low-post players on the floor, especially considering their depth at this spot.
Balanced scoring and rebounding
The Gophers won the battle on the glass and received more balanced scoring from their offense. Minnesota can play in the half court or get on the run because of the personnel they have at their disposal. The team continues to pass the ball well and has a natural feel for where everyone will be on the court. Their spacing and awareness in transition allow them to be a difficult matchup threat for opposing defenses. UMass didn’t have enough athleticism to keep up with the plethora of weapons Minnesota has on their roster. Nine different players scored for the Gophers and their guards continue to facilitate opportunities for everyone around them.
With another win, Minnesota improved to 5-0 on the season and will host No. 25 Alabama tomorrow evening as the Barclays Center Classic continues.