UND dropped a decision to a newly minted D1 team in Dixie State. Now they head down to the Barn to take on a Gopher squad looking to make a name for themselves this year.
About the Gophers:
Last year was a tough situation for Minnesota. I could describe their season in one word: heartbreak. A team that finished 15-16 and 8-12 in the Big 10 and I use the word heartbreak? Yes. In the 2nd half of the season, they had many chances of getting that big win to make the NCAAs or at least be in the position to do so. Time after time however, they managed to fall just a little bit short. Lost at home to Iowa by 3, Maryland by 1, at Wisconsin by 2, at Indiana by 5. A few more wins might have people feeling different about Pitino and the team... but it wasn't in the cards. With Oturu going to the NBA, there was panic across the land. However... star guard Carr returned for another go. Then Pitino nailed a few key transers in Both Gach and Liam Robbins, both of which got the green light to play right away. Suddenly, the Gophers looked like a much better team on paper then they did a year ago. Of course, with COVID causing issues, it means that the Gophers have less time to gel this team together. Pitino needs to start to get some results on the table. His Big 10 record isn't very good, and his seat is still plenty warm. Can the Gophers make a charge in the rugged Big 10 this year? They certainly on paper look better, but its not all about the paper.
About Richard Pitino (8th season at Minnesota: 130-108 record, 48-82 Big 10).
Pitino has made it to his 8th season as Gophers coach. This despite only have 1 winning season in the Big 10 since he has come into the league. In a normal year, there would be pressure for Pitino to finally deliver on at least finishing above .500 and getting into the top half of the conference and making the NCAAs again or finally getting the axe. COVID of course has changed many things, including in the athletic department bean counters. The fact that they don't want to pay a buyout to coaches in the middle of a pandemic might give Pitino a 1 year break. However, it might be wise to put together a good season with this group, given the fact he won't have Carr next year more than likely.
Key Player: Marcus Carr (6'2 195 Junior)
The Junior guard begins his second season with the Gophers and has been absolutely on fire to start the season. In 3 games, he is nearly averaging 30 ppg! along with 5.3 rebounds and 5 assists. He is one of the better guards in the Big 10 and might start to get some national attention if he continues his white hot start. Is the competition he has faced that strong? No. However, you cannot dismiss the gaudy stats. He can do it all and he will be very hard for UND to handle. More than likely his last year in a Gopher uniform.
Early Summit Thoughts:
-SDSU knocked off Iowa State last night, they are looking very good and living up to top billing in the Summit.
-Roos flattened 2 D2 opponents, then gave Kansas State a scare. Might be better than one thinks
-USD and NDSU are both 0-3, both played their last opponents tough. Yotes play UMKC in non-conference match up so we will get to see where they stack up against each other.
Keys:
1) House Money: No one is expecting UND to win this game, in fact it might get ugly early given how UND has played so far. The guys should come in with a house money mentality. Lay it all out there and give it your best shot.
2) Get better: Use this game to keep gelling as a team. Start building momentum towards the Dakota Showcase next week. Get Nero and Ihrenacho going as guards. Build off of your performances Sims and Sueker. Get Rebraca to have a monster game.
3) DAE: Will he be playing or will be waiting a week? If so, who will step up and fill his shoes in his absence, especially off of the bench.
The Call:
The Gophers appear to be a better squad from last year. They have had moments where they look pretty tough but have also had moments where they look pretty pedestrian. While I would like to think that this is another Nebraska game from last year, its not. Gophers are a far better team than that. Given that UND is still figuring things out, the Gophers should win this game pretty handily tbh, but I am looking for continued growth from the squad, and hey... anything can happen. Lets see if Rebraca can have another big game against the Gophers.
Gophers 84-62
Where you can watch the game: Game will be on the Big Ten Network
