Minnesota’s impressive 35-point win over Cleveland State in the season opener didn’t translate to the second game as they lost 71-62 in a non-conference battle against Oklahoma on Saturday night.
Playing at a neutral site in Sioux Falls, the Gophers offense never got into sync, and despite leading 32-26 at the half, Minnesota was outscored by 15 points in the second half and lost by nine points.
The turning point came with just over 12 minutes left in the game, when the Gophers were leading 51-43. That lead slowly evaporated as Oklahoma went on a 20-4 run over the next 10+ minutes and turned an eight-point deficit into a 11-point lead (66-55) with under two minutes to play.
Minnesota made just two shots – a layup and dunk by Daniel Oturu – during a brutal stretch from 12:06 left in the second half until the 1:19 mark.
All aspects of shooting were ugly for the Gophers:
- Total shots: 25-of-63 (39.7%)
- 3-pointers: 8-of-32 (25%)
- Free throws: 4-of-12 (33%)
Marcus Carr, the Gophers point guard making his second start after sitting out last season as a transfer from Pittsburgh, was arguably the best player on the court. Carr finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals. He was, however, just 1-of-6 on threes and 1-of-6 at the free-throw line.
Oturu added 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
Minnesota’s bench totaled a only four points, all four from Tre Williams as he was one of just three non-starters to play in the game. Michael Hurt and Jarvis Omersa also came off the bench, but did very little in limited action.
Up next, the Gophers hit the road for a matchup with Butler on Tuesday. Fox Sports 1 will have the TV broadcast beginning at 7:30 p.m.
