The Minnesota Golden Gopher men’s basketball team got back in the win column on Monday night as they defeated Nebraska 79-61.
Returning to “The Barn” after three straight losses, the Gophers were able to take advantage of a Nebraska team fresh off a COVID-19 pause. Minnesota started the evening off strong thanks to the effort of Marcus Carr, who had a nifty lay-in to open the game.
Everyone just take the "H." 🐴
Marcus Carr drives for the pretty @GopherMBB And-1. pic.twitter.com/25yQ8poVgN
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 9, 2021
It would be a rare highlight for Carr, however, who would pick up three fouls over the course of the first half. With Liam Robbins also landing in foul trouble, Minnesota needed other players to step up.
Jamal Mashburn Jr. answered the call for the Gophers, scoring 11 points off the bench to help lead Minnesota to a 45-30 lead at halftime.
With Minnesota in control, Carr eventually returned to the game and led the Gophers with a team-high 21 points and eight assists. While Nebraska cut the lead down to seven early in the first half, a 3-pointer by Tre Williams helped Minnesota pull away and improve to 12-1 this season at Williams Arena.
This was a much-needed trey by Tre'. 🙌@aytrizzytre23 // @GopherMBB pic.twitter.com/0I06hUb9i5
— Minnesota on BTN (@MinnesotaOnBTN) February 9, 2021
The Gophers improved to 12-7 on the season and 5-7 in Big Ten play with the win. Minnesota will test out its success at home on Thursday when the Gophers host No. 24 Purdue.
