The Gophers men’s basketball team did what it was supposed to do Thursday night by blowing by Division II Minnesota-Duluth 109-53 in an exhibition game at Williams Arena.
The regular season tuneup saw the Gophers hit their first 11 shots of the game and spring to a 61-25 lead at the half. Minnesota shot 67.2 percent from the field (39-of-58), including a blistering 52.6 percent from 3 (10-of-19).
Leading the way was true freshman center Daniel Oturu with 17 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Point guard Isaiah Washington led the team in scoring with 18 points and hit 3-of-4 from downtown.
Jordan Murphy had 11 points and six rebounds in just under 13 minutes of playing time.
More importantly, head coach Richard Pitino gave fans a look at what his starting lineup could look like when the Gophers open the season Tuesday, Nov. 6 at home against Nebraska-Omaha.
- G: Amir Coffey
- G: Dupree McBrayer
- G: Gabe Kalscheur
- F: Jordan Murphy
- C: Daniel Oturu
Coffey appears to be locked and loaded to begin the season as the starting point guard. At 6-foot-8, Coffey has the size to create matchup nightmares for opponents, and Star Tribune Gophers blogger Marcus Fuller says the Gophers have had a lot more ball movement with Coffey running the show.
That could change, however, if the NCAA grants Pittsburgh transfer Marcus Carr the right to play immediately. He was a starter as a freshman at Pitt last season and Pitino raved about him in his most recent blog.
“Still waiting to hear word on his waiver from the NCAA. Hopefully we will hear something before the season starts,” Pitino wrote in the Oct. 29 update. “We are optimistic that we will receive good news. Marcus is a game changer. Competes on both ends and is very confident on the court.”
Here are highlights from the game, and do take note of the new-look floor at Williams Arena.
