Minnesota Looks For First Big Ten Win Hosting Iowa - OPEN THREAD
by GopherNation on Jan 4, 2012 2:00 PM CST
in Gopher Basketball
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PrintIowa Hawkeyes at Minnesota Golden Gophers, Jan 4, 2012 8:00 PM CST
This is just what the Gophers need, a home game against a team they should beat. I'm sure that is what Badger fans thought a week ago too, so maybe we better take this game seriously. We are 0-2 in the conference so we better be taking every game seriously.
Game Time: 8:00
TV: BTN
| Pos | Minnesota | Pnt/Gm | Pnt/Gm | Iowa |
Pos | |
| PG | Maverick Ahanmisi |
4.8 | 11.1 | Roy Devyn-Marble |
G | |
| G | Julian Welch | 10.3 | 7.3 | Eric May | G | |
| F | Austin Hollins | 8.5 | 13.3 | Matt Gatens | F | |
| F | Rodney Williams | 9.7 | 7.1 | Zach McCabe | F | |
| C | Ralph Sampson III | 9.1 | 10.1 | Melsahn Basabe |
F | |
| Bench | Andre Hollins | 5.9 | 9.6 | Aaron White | Bench | |
| Bench |
Chip Armelin | 5.9 | 6.9 | Josh Oglesby |
Bench | |
| Bench |
Elliott Eliason |
2.7 | 6.7 | Bryce Cartwright |
Bench |
Fran McCaffery has himself an entire roster of 6-5 to 6-7 forwards. No real big men, not a true point guard. I like this game from the standpoint that we should hold an advantage in the paint again and Iowa does not boast a roster of great three-point shooters. What does give me pause and concern is their ability to penetrate to the paint and score.
| KenPom Efficiency Stats | Minnesota (46) |
Iowa (99) |
| Record | 12-3 | 9-6 |
| Pnt / Poss | 1.088 (47) | 1.076 |
| Def Pnt / Poss | 0.943 | 0.998 |
| Off eFG% | 52.6% |
49.9% |
| Def eFG% | 47.2% | 50.2% |
| Off Reb % | 37.1% (48) | 33.0% |
| Def Reb % | 67.4% | 71.0% (50) |
| TO % | 22.0% | 16.4% (12) |
Looking at the numbers it is obvious that Iowa does some of the little things right, which is probably how they were able to play Purdue to within 3 points and then beat Wisconsin on the road. As you can see Iowa ranks in the top 50 in both defensive rebounding and turnovers. When you stop opponent possessions with a rebound 71% of the time and don't turn the ball over you give yourself a chance to win if you can make some shots.
Between these two teams you probably won't see a lot of threes attempted or made. Iowa gets only 19.3% of their total points from behind the arc and Minnesota gets just 20.7%, both ranking in the 300s nationally. The Gophers will have to play some perimeter defense by moving their feet and helping on penetration. And our big men had better be prepared to step up on penetration without fouling. There is a strong possibility that Ralph and Rodney get into foul trouble because every time an opponent comes into the lane their eyes get wide anticipating a massive blocked shot. They need to be big, stay on their feet and stay out of foul trouble. They won't get as many blocked shots but they'll get more minutes to rack up points on the other end of the floor.
In the end I still believe Iowa is a lower tier team than the Gophers. They got their surprise win of the year already. Iowa beating Minnesota won't be nearly as shocking as beating Wisconsin (some might not be shocked at all) but I just don't believe it will happen tonight.
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Over/Under
what is the over/under on this game, 70?
Lickliter hasn't been the coach for Iowa for almost 2 years.
Also, Bryce Cartwright is pretty much a true point guard.
A couple things
Todd Lickleiter has himself an entire roster of 6-5 to 6-7 forwards
Iowa is coached by Fran McCaffrey, Lick was fired 2 years ago
No real big men, not a true point guard
Very true on the Bigs but Cartwright is a true point. He has been coming off the bench in the last couple games due to just getting back from a hamstring injury that slowed him down early in the year. I think you’re underestimating Marble here too; while he isn’t a true prototypical PG, he is second in the Big Ten in Assist/TO ratio and present quite a few problems on D when matched up against a true PG due to his length and lateral speed.
There is a strong possibility that Ralph and Rodney get into foul trouble
This is a definite possibility since Iowa has been much more aggressive in driving to the lane in recent games. We held a FT advantage over Wisconsin last game, which was key to the game.
In the end I still believe Iowa is a lower tier team than the Gophers.
I think right now this is probably true. Iowa has large problems on D right now. I could see Iowa eeking out a close one, Minny winning in a hard fought game that comes down to the final possession or a Minny blowout. It’s tough to tell which Iowa team will show up, but as an Iowa fan I hope to see the one that played Purdue to the wire and beat Wisconsin instead of the team that lost to Campbell at home by 16.
"He lowballed us and said: 'Take it or leave it. If you don't take our offer, you are rolling the dice.' I said: 'Consider them rolled.' " - Jim "Huge Brass Balls" Delaney
sorry about the coach typo
I typed that fast and meant to come back to it later then forgot.
what you say here can, and will, be used against you The Daily Gopher
I see Iowa winning and another close loss for the Gophers sets us back yet another game. I think we let them hang around long enough and potentially foul trouble or other issues (lack of confidence maybe due to our last two close losses?) enables Iowa to steal one from us late in the game.
Perhaps I’ll be wrong and Iowa reverts back to their crappy mean and we play a solid, start to finish game. Then we win by 15. Wouldn’t that be lovely.
Either way, I am fortunate to be able to watch this one as my kids will be fast asleep by early in the first half. I can then sit and curse RSIII without my wife telling me to watch my language. Might need a beer to make it through this potentially ugly game though. Iowa absolutely SUCKS….I will not take losing to them well, should it happen.
For the first time maybe ever Im thinking the more entertaining basketball game in Minnesapolis will be the Wolves instead of the Gophers. Never thought that’d be the case. I tend to prefer the college game, but man I tell you watching Ricky Rubio instead of Maverick Ahanmisi is appealing!
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Really? He playing?
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:03 PM CST up reply actions
Idk what it is ...
… Maybe the hair. … But I can’t get over Mav as B1G starting PG.
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hopefully jimi isn't watching yet
As Ralph had deep post position and his man on his back and forced an extra pass
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 8:22 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
10+
If we can’t fund a practice facility, how will they build a new arena … But count me in the camp that wants Gopher basketball modernized somehow
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:25 PM CST up reply actions
Would love to see the students get the good seats to help create some atmosphere.
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:28 PM CST up reply actions
Honestly
I hope forever. I love the fact that Gopher Basketball actually embraces tradition. Hell, I wish football was still in Memorial Stadium. I know it might make a negligible difference in recruiting, but to me as a fan old stadiums are always better than new (provided they’re well maintained).
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
What do y'all think if the atmosphere these days at Williams?
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:38 PM CST up reply actions
I think it's great
I’m from Madison, and I’ve been to quite a few games at both the old field house and the Kohl center, and while the Kohl center is loud, it feels so artificial. I love that the barn can feel like somewhere straight out of “Hoosiers” or it can erupt and be just as loud as anywhere I’ve ever been.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Tradition is nice
But the time has come. I think it is actually becoming a detriment to recruiting when you look at other school’s facilities (including practice facilities).
You've come around on that issue, I think you used to be very opposed to moving on from The Barn
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:43 PM CST up reply actions
You're right
I went to a game recently and it just feels antiquated; not old and cool. Just out of date.
We're you stuck behind a pole :-) ... I've been there.
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:48 PM CST up reply actions
Practice facilities should matter way more
That’s where state of the art equipment actually matters. Who cares what your arena looks like? As long as it’s loud and has 2 baskets, I don’t think players really care, especially if they only have to spend 4 hours a week there.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
That's why I asked about atmosphere. ...
I think atmosphere matters to recruits. Is it a fun environment for kids? Do they want to play in front of these fans in this arena / city.
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:46 PM CST up reply actions
It is a terrible place to watch a game
I’m not talking about atmosphere. I’m talking about seats in terms of physical seats themselves and sight lines.
Maybe I'm biased because I've only ever been in the student section
And unless you’re in the back few rows, you feel very much involved in the game.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
abaurd
Very few stadiums of this size have you this close to the action.
Seats are a bit crowded, but aside from those too high up in the lower level or too close to a pillar, the sight lines are great.
Would you prefer upper deck at target center (or every other arena built since)?
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 8:52 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
I think he's saying
That newer arenas usually have 3 (smaller) decks, so a third of the seats are so high up that you don’t feel involved.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
and the confidence handling the ball
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 8:33 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
So pissed...
…living in Dallas and somehow the Wolves/Grizzlies game is blacked out here on NBA League Pass.
Watching it now ...
They are up 3 after being down 15 early
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:33 PM CST up reply actions
13+ mins of big ten ball
8 total fouls and not because of clean play. At this pace, someone is going to get hurt.
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 8:32 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
Re Williams
Unfirtunate it took us 2+ years to put him at the 4 … I k ow Trevr was here, but still. He’s far more comfortable.
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:38 PM CST up reply actions
I don't understand...
basketball teams’ insistence that you have to be a 1-2-3-4 or 5. Just let players play their game.
Murray State
Are they for real?
I know they haven’t really “played anybody”. But it isn’t like teams from the OVC go this long without losing very often.
Didn't Cleveland State go like 15-0 last year?
This feels like the same thing.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Meh
I sound like BCS supporters who I hate, but unless they’re Butler, Gonzaga, or Xavier, I’m not really interested in mid-majors until they win a tournament game.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
like 4 mins alwithout scoring
Is not good. Even if u have n 11 pt lead to start.
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 8:49 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
I think Wes is 0-12 or something. He's awful.
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 8:56 PM CST up reply actions
why are you discussing it here?
What’s wrong with the wolves blog?
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 9:01 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
it's working
Either that or turning an 11 pt lead into a 4 pt deficit while score 6 pts in like 8 mins of play.
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 9:13 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
I know we're playing badly
But you don’t boo your own team unless there is an obvious lack of effort. Come on, gopher fans.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
I honestly think everyone still assumes we're going to play
like we would with Mbakwe. I think there’s too much pressure on the team. That’s part of the reason I was hesitant to criticize them for 2 close losses on the road. I think the team needs to feel some support, because they’ve actually been playing better than expected.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
I'm not sure we are worse off without Mbakwe
Williams has played really, really well. In fact, he brings an element that Mbakwe doesn’t have. (That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t take Mbakwe back, but it has brought the best out in Williams—evidenced by that last dunk.)
Although Iowa looks to be improved this year, this is still a team we should beat at home. Now, we are playing like we are the road team that is rattled.
I think you're right that it gave Rodney an opportunity to shine
But I would never go as far as to say we’re better off without our best player. And I think stories like Williams’ play should be reason to cheer, not boo. The team has responded well to adversity, and if they’re rattled like a road team it could be because the crowd is hostile.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
story of the game
We are 2/17 from three and Iowa has one team foils after 13 mins in the second half while playing very aggressive d.
Hard to win with those two things going on.
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 9:35 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
Hard to win when you don't recruit shooters
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 9:45 PM CST up reply actions
There's a reason why we have twice as many fouls
and it’s not sloppy play
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
6-1 in the second half
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
what is it?
We’re shooting too many jumpers, but the officiating is still terrible. Iowa can do no wrong, apparently.
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 9:43 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
That's what I meant
Horrible job tonight by the officials. Grossly inconsistent, and they’ve missed several travels, double dribbles, and a technical as well.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
RSIII
Just got punked by a freshman. Just abused. Unfortunately I am watching this game still. I think I will do myself a favor and go to bed. If we win I can see it from the treadmill tomorrow. If we lose, I don’t have to see it happen. Disgraceful so far. Not over, but less than impressive.
by jimipig on Jan 4, 2012 9:47 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Hey look at that!
Iowa got called for a foul! It’s a miracle!
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Not saying we haven't played terribly
But they have missed so much.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
both ways?
Is why they have four fouls?
The refs aren’t to blame for the score, but they are still terrible.
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 9:57 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
We were chucking up 3s ... Not attacking,
We’re a couple calls missed? Yeah, happens every game to every team,
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 9:58 PM CST up reply actions
Sampson
Terrible. Oh sure, the stats will say he shot pretty well, put together 10 or more points, and grabbed a handful of rebounds. But my god. He just stands/mopes on the offensive end and is generally clueless and out of place on defense.
And one time…could we practice how to play effective offense against the 2-3 zone. One time.
I do love the full court pressure. Glad it took all game to use it.
Offense
During the Tubby era offense has been stagnant, offense against zones worse, but much of that is we’ve had 1 shooter (Blake).
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 9:51 PM CST up reply actions
2-3 zone
I know we don’t have a great shooting team, but when Eliason was in, he was active in the middle and the offense moved better. He’s played like 5 minutes in the second half. BOO.
Iowa makes the most with the least
God damn they play hard.
by jimipig on Jan 4, 2012 9:56 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I was just about to say that it's not like the Gophers are really talented for a B1G team ...
But this reminded me that Iowa isn’t either! Tubby deserves some criticism for this one.
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by PJS on Jan 4, 2012 9:57 PM CST up reply actions
Right?
Any team can hustle and play their asses off. They are 19 year olds! They can run their sacks off. Iowa plays so hard that it is actually refreshing to watch. We mope. We have an RSIII disease.
by jimipig on Jan 4, 2012 10:01 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Ralph
Youre too hard in him most if the time. But he has had a disappointing career. He should be the senior leader and he’s not. He might as well sit out with bilateral leg weakness.
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Which would be fine if he wasn’t a senior big ten center. Damn right I ride his ass hard and I will do so until I don’t have to see him play like he hates the game.
by jimipig on Jan 4, 2012 10:06 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Ralph's almos done but get ready for two more years of Mav, the worst B1G PG
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and get ready for him getting 30 minutes per game for the rest of the season
If that trend continues I may have to stop following the Gophs for a bit
he's been improving
Which is why he’s getting more minutes.
Well, that and dre regressing.
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 10:45 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Announcer a better coach
Than tubby. Where is tubbys plan down 4 and his guys gunning 3’s?
by jimipig on Jan 4, 2012 9:59 PM CST via mobile reply actions
The game is interesting if nothing else.
by jimipig on Jan 4, 2012 10:02 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Sad trombone...
Wah wah wahhhhhhhhhhhhh…..
by jimipig on Jan 4, 2012 10:04 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Why does Ahanmisi shoot every damn last shot? He's a D2 caliber guard.
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I didn't hate that
We didn’t have a timeout. It was his strong hand. We had just a few seconds. It was a good effort despite not necessarily being our best option. But at least we got the shot off and it had a chance. I would have rather had Austin Hollins or Armelin do that since they seem to be better at actually making those circus shots.
They should practice such situations and not look confused. ,,,, I guess my biggest gripe is Mav on the floor.
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I would generally agree
But mav was way better than dre, who looked lost, tonight and has been the last few games.
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 10:43 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Can't believe we actually had a chance
This one hurts a lot more than the last 2
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
and a fitting end
Mav drives, is grabbed by the arm and no call.
by amiller92 on Jan 4, 2012 10:05 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
No call?
Can’t call that at the end. Plenty of other things to point at other than referees…
by jimipig on Jan 4, 2012 10:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Agreed that will never be called
Doesn’t mean they didn’t call a sloppy game all night.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
The season is over.
My blood pressure is too high to get worked up over a team that plays 10 players and still stands around tired. Or isn’t coached to take advantage of its clear edges in talent and height. Or has good shooters that refuse to shoot, while guys who don’t even belong on the floor shoot bricks. Or hasn’t figured out how to exploit the most commonly played zone in basketball. Or has a veteran big man who starts hot and could drop 30 on a less-talented team if only he stepped up with any conviction at all. Or has guys who are labeled finesse players yet turn the ball over like it has butter on it. Or has guys who have height and vertical jumps the opponents would kill for get out-boxed, out-hustled and out-rebounded by said opponents.
Granted, we had no business thinking NCAA, but seriously, we won’t be able to get the 5-6 wins needed to make the NIT? Who might we beat besides Nebraska and Penn State?
There I go again, blood pressure going up. Done for this season. Enjoy your winter.
Correct on all counts, mostly people thinking NCAA bubble.
Though all this being said…we are 3 layups from being 3-0 instead of 0-3. Okay, it’s not that simple but give me a break….
by jimipig on Jan 5, 2012 7:06 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Tubby
Finally calling out Ralph. He wants to play like a 6-6 wing and hes a 6-11 center. Like I said in the Michigan game. You can hang a shower curtain up at each goal and it will out rebound and out score RSIII. The guy just has the limp wristed style of Lamar going on. Cant coach that out of a kid.
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