Photo: University of Minnesota
After dropping three consecutive games, the Gophers have their backs against the wall. The margin for error is nonexistent if Minnesota wants to keep its postseason hopes alive. When the Gophers needed it most, guard Marcus Carr and center Daniel Oturu delivered.
Oturu scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Carr added 18 points and seven assists in an 83-57 win over Northwestern. The dynamic and efficient play of Minnesota’s top duo has been been a common theme during its most dominant wins. Recently, the Gophers have struggled to make 3-pointers, but the entire team was scorching hot on Sunday. Minnesota made 14 of its 30 3-point attempts and shared the basketball extremely well.
The Gophers were aggressive on both ends of the court and created efficient possessions. The offense featured quality touches for Oturu, along with dynamic dribble penetration and passing from Carr. Not only that, but the backcourt was assertive off the dribble.
Out of a timeout, Pitino designed a play for Gabe Kalscheur, who came off the screen and knocked down a 3-pointer. Minnesota also occasionally ran pick and roll action for Oturu and Carr. When Oturu is rolling to the basket, defenses have a difficult time rotating. These designs were particularly effective because of Carr’s passing and dribble penetration skills. Carr orchestrated the offense beautifully and created quality opportunties for his teammates. The entire roster had 19 assists (on 30 made shots) and set up quality looks for each other.
Eventually, when the Wildcats doubled Oturu, he kicked out to Payton Willis, who drilled a deep 3-pointer. Willis’ long-range hit sparked a 7-0 run, as the Gophers grabbed an early 27-15 lead. Oturu knocked down his first five shots and maximized his touches in the post.
From the opening tip, Kalscheur was more aggressive, too. He attacked off the dribble and frequently created his own shot. Near the midway point of the first half, Kalscheur had five points, four rebounds and two assists. This year, there have been many moments where the Gophers’ sophomore guard is hesitant. When Kalscheur is driving hard and in rhythm, he’s often playing his best minutes. All year, he’s been making an impact defensively, but Sunday’s performance was one of his most impressive all-around efforts. Kalscheur had 14 points and five assists in 32 minutes of action.
The Gophers also immediately crashed the glass and jumped out to a 21-8 rebounding advantage. Northwestern struggled to get position in the post and created extra opportunities for Minnesota. Overall, the Gophers won the rebounding margin 48-29 and snatched 12 offensive boards. Offensively, the entire roster looked more decisive and confident. In recent games, Minnesota’s backcourt has played hesitant. When guards came off screens, there was often a delay. During Sunday’s game, Oturu was heavily involved with post touches, screens and rolls. Not to mention, all of the guards were aggressively driving and dishing when the defense collapsed.
The Gophers’ team defense was another key factor in Sunday’s win. They were creating deflections, rotating quickly, blocking shots and getting quality position on the glass. Big man Jarvis Omersa also played 14 minutes and brought energy on the defensive end. He altered shots, grabbed tough rebounds and made all of the high-energy plays. In recent weeks, Omersa hasn’t played much, but saw more action with Isaiah Ihnen out (wrist injury). He took advantage of those minutes and should continue playing on a rotational basis.