The Daily Gopher - All PostsYour online home for Minnesota Golden Gophers football, basketball and hockey.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49211/daily-gopher-fave.png2024-03-18T10:38:38-05:00http://www.thedailygopher.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T10:38:38-05:002024-03-18T10:38:38-05:00The Gophers have historically done well in the NIT
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Maine at Minnesota" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kmFb3Cl8_Ad0ohgEPS3naE4-CxA=/0x0:2738x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215316/usa_today_22191253.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A run to the NIT Final Four is a right of passage for Gopher coaches</p> <p id="hNIsRz">Is this the year the Gophers make a deep run through the NIT? Historically, Minnesota has done well in the NIT. And it seems like a run to the Final Four has become a right of passage for every Gopher basketball coach. </p>
<p id="DnEN86">2014 - In Richard Pitino’s first season, his Gophers ran through the NIT and won it, defeating SMU in the Championship game with Austin and Andre Hollins combining for 33 of the team’s 65 points.</p>
<p id="XNuZur">2012 - This was Tubby Smith’s second-to-last season with the Gophers and his squad finished as NIT runner-ups, getting soundly beaten by Stanford.</p>
<p id="uOdrkR">2003 - Dan Monson’s team, led by Rick Rickert, Michael Bauer and Maurice Hargrow won three games to get themselves to the Final Four, but lost the semi-final game to Georgetown and the prestigious third-place game to Texas Tech.</p>
<p id="5Zz3Ct">1998 - The season directly following the Final Four run, Clem Haskins took his team to the NIT and won it (unofficially, of course). </p>
<p id="naYLaZ">1993 - I remember watching Voshon Lenard lead Clem’s team through the NIT this year, beating Georgetown in the championship game. </p>
<p id="POEEsr">1980 - Even Jim Dutcher took a Gopher team to the NIT Championship game, losing to Ralph Sampson’s Virginia Cavaliers 55-58. Kevin McHale and Trent Tucker were not enough to contain Sampson. You can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCRTitmo-KU">watch the game here</a> if you’d like. </p>
<p id="D5B6N2">(Seriously, you should check out that old YouTube)</p>
<p id="lp9XUM">So every Gopher coach, dating back to Dutcher has made a run to the NIT Final Four, is this the year for Ben Johnson to check that box?</p>
<p id="NrFkrs">NIT games, like meaningless bowl games, often have more to do with who is coming to the game wanting a win and playing like it. Even in the post-game press conference following their loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament, guys and Ben Johnson were hoping they got to keep playing. This feels like a team that is excited to continue their season.</p>
<p id="WKXZH1">Butler played themselves out of an NCAA bid by losing 5 straight to end February before getting a win over DePaul (one of the worst P5 teams in the country, and then a home win over Xavier. </p>
<p id="jEQs6M">If Minnesota happens to get by Butler, then they are likely facing an angry Indiana State who is probably the best team to be snubbed by the NCAA Tournament. Ever.</p>
<p id="6i08Uw">The path will not be an easy one, but the Gophers get their opportunity to make a run and continue to get better.</p>
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https://www.thedailygopher.com/2024/3/18/24104491/minnesota-basketball-gophers-historically-in-the-nit-final-four-clem-haskins-ben-johnsonGopherNation2024-03-17T20:58:30-05:002024-03-17T20:58:30-05:00The NIT selects the Gophers to continue their season
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Second Round-Minnesota vs Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LK2FkPaXnmB03YczYNBi94b2yy4=/0x0:2738x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214274/usa_today_22772066.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Minnesota gets to face Butler in the first round of the NIT</p> <p id="EqgrWa">There was much debate if the Gophers had a shot at making the NIT or not, but the selection committee did take Minnesota and we will head to Butler for our first round matchup.</p>
<p id="ceeVCm">The tournament, for Minnesota, will start at Hinkle Fieldhouse and the hope is that they end the NIT back at Hinkle as this is where the Final Four will be played.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're NIT bound‼️<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gophers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gophers</a> will take on Butler in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SkiUMah?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SkiUMah</a> <a href="https://t.co/cV38zIRXYK">pic.twitter.com/cV38zIRXYK</a></p>— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GopherMBB/status/1769540169592365303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="8Q43Mx">More details on the game and a look at the Bulldogs will follow, but the Gophers get to continue their season.</p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2024/3/17/24104470/minnesota-gophers-basketball-in-the-nit-against-butler-bulldogsGopherNation2024-03-15T15:25:54-05:002024-03-15T15:25:54-05:00Looking at the Gopher roster heading into the offseason
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Second Round-Minnesota vs Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6i1lOhV0Lgoq1g3_5w5zb5fJ8EY=/0x0:2738x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73210512/usa_today_22772027.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Who is back and who might be leaving?</p> <p id="8RU0Lf">After dismantling the Gophers in the Big Ten Tournament, Tom Izzo kicked off his post-game press conference with this quote.</p>
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<p id="bYB1tt">“It’s been an interesting year in a lot of fashions, but I said early that you win with veterans and you win with your key guys doing the job. I said we have a veteran backcourt, we’ve got a veteran in Malik, we’ve got a veteran coach.</p>
<p id="lZjVZP">I think we all took a little blame for the ups and downs, but first I’d like to give credit to Minnesota. They played well. Ben’s done an unbelievable job with the program. They could be the Number 1 team in the league next year. So hats off to them.”</p>
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<p id="AQt5XI">First of all, that is high praise for the Gophers next season, even if it might be Izzo blowing a little bit of smoke. Projecting to be atop the league next year is a stretch, but being considered one of the top teams is certainly likely. And it is likely because of that first paragraph from Izzo.</p>
<p id="hz6qGR">Having a talented and veteran team is a luxury in college basketball, and increasingly rare. But Minnesota has an opportunity to bring back one the more experienced and talented rosters in the Big Ten. </p>
<p id="EeIGPU">It is important to note that this is the era of NIL and opportunities to transfer without penalty of missing a season. The job of recruiting your own roster buegins for Ben Johnson now. Let’s take a look at the returning roster. Who is likely to return, who is a potential transfer loss and what do they need to round out the roster for next year.</p>
<h3 id="XIvw3G">WHO IS GONE?</h3>
<p id="LcyerD">We know that there are a few guys not returning. One player who was a part of the rotation is for sure moving on. </p>
<ul>
<li id="9nhwPs">
<strong>Parker Fox</strong> - Technically has a year remaining but he walked with the seniors on Senior Night and comments following the loss to Michigan State very much sound like he is done at Minnesota. Why? I’m not really sure. He could play one more year, he has carved out a great role with the team as a valuable member of the rotation. It appears as though he is having fun, but it looks like he’s going to move on with this his life.</li>
<li id="LTTZwP">
<strong>Jack Wilson</strong> - The ginormous transfer from Washington who was brought in to be a big body in practice. We wish you well, big man.</li>
<li id="bHPlt8">
<strong>Will Ramberg</strong> - Walk-on who earned a scholarship and even earned some playing time last year. This year, Ramberg did not see the floor in a competitive game.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="TUiqC4">LIKELY TO RETURN</h3>
<p id="AqFC3L">This is when things start to get interesting. On the surface, the Gophers had unexpected success this year, the guys looked like they were having fun and they have started to play so well together. So one would assume that they are all going to come back with anticipation of being an NCAA Tournament team, potentially a Big Ten title contender.</p>
<p id="7JtE0v">But money talks, tampering happens and it is very possible someone is tempted to move to another program with the hopes of more success and more money than Minnesota can offer. </p>
<p id="zCLQr5">So, “likely” to return is really just a guess. Or perhaps a wish. This is a list of everybody expected to return in descending order of their likelihood to transfer.</p>
<ul>
<li id="WLLvTa">
<strong>Elijah Hawkins</strong> - Hawkins transferred in from Howard, a small school from the MEAC and quickly became the floor general of a Big Ten team. He led the Big Ten in assists, leading the nation much of the season. He seems to have found a great spot, in a system that allows him to play with freedom and being a key member of a competitive team. I find his likelihood of transferring again to be low.</li>
<li id="CMGpNu">
<strong>Isaiah Ihnen</strong> - If this list is in descending order of potentially transferring, seeing Ihnen this high on the list may be a little surprising. After coming off back-to-back seasons of horrific knee injuries, Ihnen saw his playing time dwindle throughout the season and he was barely seeing the court in the last half of the Big Ten season. On the one hand, Ihnen is an ideal transfer candidate. He could move to a smaller school, find more playing time and finish out his career contributing. On the other hand, he appears to be content with this role and appreciative of the entire program of people around him who have supported him throughout his injury journey. </li>
<li id="dLEhkk">
<strong>Pharrel Payne</strong> - Starting center who has been showing significant progress in his development over the past two seasons. The concern here is more about receiving an offer he can’t refuse somewhere else. But Payne has been great, he’s a key part of whatever success this team will have next season.</li>
<li id="r51Tna">
<strong>Dawson Garcia</strong> - I was so impressed with his leadership this year after really questioning his maturity a year ago. I was wrong. He led the team in scoring, was a guy that every opponent had to game-plan for and is likely an early favorite to be 1st team All-Big Ten next year. He is a Minnesota kid who came back, he’s having great success and will be the face of the team that returns to the NCAA Tournament in 2025. The one thing that may come into play is the NBA. Is Garcia on the verge of being drafted? </li>
<li id="lChzJp">
<strong>Mike Mitchell Jr</strong> - Starter all season at off-guard after transferring to the Gophers from Pepperdine. Mitchell was exactly what was advertised, an excellent shooter who can handle the ball when needed. The only reason I could see him transferring is if Ben Johnson is able to recruit a more dynamic guard who would take Mitchell’s starting role. Seems unlikely and from a Gopher fan standpoint, this would not be a bad thing.</li>
<li id="D5F8WR">
<strong>Braedon Carrington</strong> - Coming off the bench all year and Carrington was often the glue-guy for the Gophers. His defense was elite, he rebounded and at times his scoring was critical to success. His shooting has never gotten on track in college, but it is so close. I think he is highly valued by the staff and I see no reason he’ll be seeking a transfer.</li>
<li id="DX229f">
<strong>Kris Keinys</strong> - True freshman who redshirted who came to the Gophers late in the summer from Lithuania. Keinys is a developmental player who may end up being a shooter off the bench for Ben Johnson next year. Could he see that playing time looks bleak and leave for another program? Yes, that’s possible, but he also doesn’t really have much on tape to entice other programs yet.</li>
<li id="H179Jy">
<strong>Cam Christie</strong> - On the bottom of this list because I am concerned about offers coming his way that he won’t be able to turn down. Christie had a great freshman season and I expect his scoring to take off next year. He and Garcia are going to be the team’s leading scorers and it is going to be a lot of fun to watch. But he will have people calling him. </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="d75NHG">I HAVE SOME CONCERNS</h3>
<ul>
<li id="sv0AFh">
<strong>Josh Ola-Joseph</strong> - Started 19 games for the Gophers this year then saw his playing time disappear. Even with Fox and Payne in serious foul trouble against Michigan State, Ola-Joseph remained on the bench. Now this is the kind of player that has 2 options. He could leave, find a program that would love to have his athletic ability and see significant minutes for the next two seasons. Or he could take to heart what’s being asked of him, get better in the areas he struggles and be a fantastic story a year from now. I fear that the transfer option will be the likely choice for Ola-Joseph.</li>
<li id="vqe7zb">
<strong>Kadyn Betts</strong> - The Colorado native redshirted last year and did not see the floor this year. He may want to transfer, the staff may also prefer to have the scholarship. This seems like the most obvious transfer candidate on the roster. </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="UcBnbM">INCOMING</h3>
<ul>
<li id="7gNcc9">
<strong>Isaac Asuma</strong> - The luxury of having a quality, backup point guard is going to be amazing next year. I cannot wait to see Asume in maroon and gold. He is going to get a year to play behind Hawkins, battling with him in practice every day and then he will get the reigns of the Gopher offense the following season.</li>
<li id="9eyPxH">
<strong>Grayson Grove</strong> - An incoming forward from Alexandria. Grove does not appear to have a Big Ten-ready body and I fully expect that he will not be a contributor for a year. Anything the team gets from him next season will be a bonus.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="RXArGf">THE ROTATION</h3>
<p id="yqqEbA">PG - Hawkins<br>SG - Mitchell Jr<br>SF - Christie<br>PF - Garcia<br>C - Payne<br>B - Carrington<br>B - Asuma<br>B - a big man, maybe JOJ?</p>
<p id="5V7OZc">I love having 3 reliable guys off the bench (or 4), things get dicey when your rotation is 7 or fewer. </p>
<p id="uNmQFO">Next year’s team will have more depth and an additional year of experience playing together. </p>
<h3 id="I3tx8O">WHAT DO THEY NEED?</h3>
<p id="RPxYeZ">There is a scholarship available, likely more and I am hoping for 2 guys to come in and give this team more depth.</p>
<ul>
<li id="MFp09q">A big man - This is the primary need. They essentially need someone to replace Fox. Getting JOJ back and contributing would also help, but most likely we have Payne and Garcia in the frontcourt...and that’s it. A quality big off the bench is absolutely necessary.</li>
<li id="DdxCQG">A shooter on the perimeter - I could be persuaded to bring in a defensive wing instead, our shooting isn’t that bad. But landing a deadly shooter would be nice. We have solid shooters, but the kind of kid who you just KNOW is going to make it when left open. A Blake Hoffarber type of shooter to come off the bench and provide a spark. </li>
<li id="ZoI3UI">A wing with more than a year of eligibility - I love getting transfers who give you more than a season. A talented wing who can play this coming year and blossom the following season.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="eQlRRS">WHAT WILL IT MEAN?</h3>
<p id="6tETDy">That’s for another article. This is the roster, most of it is expected to be back and expectations should be reasonably high for the Gophers in 2024-25.</p>
<p id="P7liEO"></p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2024/3/15/24101102/minnesota-basketball-looking-at-the-gopher-roster-heading-into-the-offseason-ncaa-expectationsGopherNation2024-03-15T14:16:53-05:002024-03-15T14:16:53-05:00Minnesota Hosts Michigan in Big Ten Semifinal
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<figcaption>Matt Krohn—Gophersports.com</figcaption>
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<p>For the third year in a row the Gophers and Wolverines meet at Mariucci in the Big Ten Tournament</p> <p id="Bl1X94">The <a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> knew that they were going to play in a Big Ten Semifinal Saturday afternoon after the final horn of their 3-2 win over Penn State on Saturday afternoon. They just didn’t know until Sunday evening if they would be making the four hour bus ride to Madison, Wisconsin to take on Wisconsin, or get one more home game. Well thanks to the <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> Buckeyes finishing off a 2-1 series win over the #2 seeded Badgers, the Gophers do get to play at least one more game at Mariucci Arena this season. It will be against a familiar foe as for the third season in a row the <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com">Michigan Wolverines</a> will head to Minneapolis for a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a> elimination game. The winner will advance to the Big Ten Championship Game next weekend against either #1 overall seed <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a>, or the #7 seeded Buckeyes trying to go on a historic run through the rest of the conference to keep their season alive.</p>
<p id="sczEMj">Minnesota played four great periods and one minute of great hockey last weekend in earning a sweep of Penn State. The Gophers cruised to a 5-1 win on Friday night with a pair of Rhett Pitlick goals and 20 saves by Justen Close. Saturday’s game would be much more interesting. </p>
<p id="L2wYvA">The Gophers got a pair of goals from Jaxon Nelson, escaped the loss of Jimmy Snuggerud who was kicked out of the game less than five minutes into the game for a checking from behind penalty, killed off over three minutes of 5x3, and then sat on their heels and held on for mercy for 39 minutes while Penn State fought to keep their season alive. They Gophers would escape when Aaron Huglen tapped in a pass from Brody Lamb with just over a minute left in the game to give the Gophers a 3-2 win and advance to this Saturday night. Close kept the Gophers in the game making a career high 46 saves. </p>
<p id="o5D2Nv">Michigan hosted #5 seed <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> in the first round and also earned a two game sweep. In the opener the Wolverines came back from a 4-1 deficit and scored a pair of power play goals early in the third period to win 5-4. Saturday was another tight one Where Notre Dame again blew a 3-1 lead and Michigan got the game winner from Gavin Brindley in the third for a 4-3 win. </p>
<p id="VRrveM">It’s very likely the game on Saturday will be another offensive explosion. The two teams faced each other in the final weekend of the regular season just two weeks ago where the Gophers jumped all over the Wolverines and ran away with a 6-2 win on Friday before falling behind 3-0 in the opening period on Saturday, pulling Close for freshman Nathan Airey and then mounting a frantic comeback in the third period that saw the Gophers claw back time and time again to force overtime. The Wolverines would pot the game winner to split the series. The Gophers went 1-0-1 vs Michigan in Ann Arbor in November. </p>
<p id="uGmAiN">All-time Minnesota holds a 155-135-20 record all time against the Wolverines with a 11-7-2 edge in post season play. In the recent postseason meetings between the teams Minnesota holds a 3-2 edge in four of the last five Big Ten Tournaments. It will be the third season in a row these teams meet in an elimination game of the Big Ten Tournament at 3M Arena at Mariucci. The past two seasons the game was a week later when they faced off for the Big Ten Championship. Michigan would take both of those games by a pair of 4-3 scores. </p>
<p id="2whZLc">Both teams are nearly locks for the NCAA Tournament with Minnesota still potentially fighting for a #1 seed. Michigan is confidently sitting in the #10 spot and appears locked into the tournament unless everything goes wrong. Minnesota likely slots in as a #2 seed while the Wolverines are likely slotted in as a #3 seed. </p>
<p id="UU36Ob">Faceoff is slated for 8 PM and will air on Big Ten Network after the completion of the first semifinal game featuring #7 seed Ohio State at #1 seed Michigan State. The two winners will play at the highest remaining seed next Saturday for the Big Ten Championship. </p>
<p id="xLaofq"></p>
<h2 id="9Yv8E8">HOW TO WATCH BIG TEN HOCKEY SEMIFINAL</h2>
<h3 id="1cyy66">#4 Michigan Wolverines @ #3 Minnesota Golden Gophers</h3>
<p id="0zu3st">Where: 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis, Minnesota</p>
<p id="8Rb5XR">When: 8 PM Saturday</p>
<p id="Au8mDK">TV: Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="Hfse0S">Stream: <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/live/btn">Fox Sports.com </a></p>
<p id="51WNPn">Radio: 1130 AM/ 103.5 FM/<a href="https://www.iheart.com/live/twin-cities-news-talk-1213/"> I Heart Radio App</a>/ <a href="https://thevarsitynetwork.com/audioapplink">Varsity Network App</a></p>
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https://www.thedailygopher.com/2024/3/15/24101204/minnesota-gophers-hockey-gophers-host-michigan-wolverines-in-big-ten-semifinal-3m-mariucca-arenaAndy York2024-03-15T13:53:31-05:002024-03-15T13:53:31-05:00NCAA Quarterfinal Preview at Clarkson
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xX9uIeM9soW0PLluV5s0pqRr7_w=/2x0:2000x1332/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73210214/gallery_image__14_.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Rempel—Gophersports.com</figcaption>
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<p>Minnesota will look to try and return to the Frozen Four</p> <p id="thxOPq">The <a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> women’s hockey team will hit the road on Saturday to Upstate New York on their quest to get back to the NCAA <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-frozen-four">Frozen Four</a> for the second consecutive season. The Gophers are the #5 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will face off against the #4 seed the Clarkson Green Knights at 1PM Saturday in a NCAA Quarterfinal matchup. Minnesota will be facing a team has had their number in big games over the last decade. Can the Gophers change that in 2024?</p>
<p id="V737Ts">Minnesota found out they were the #5 seed in the NCAA Tournament officially when the brackets were announced last Sunday. Minnesota dropped their semifinal in the WCHA Final Faceoff Tournament to Wisconsin 4-3 in overtime on Friday afternoon which locked them into the 5th spot in the pairwise rankings and guaranteed they would hit the road for a NCAA Semifinal for the first time since 2018. Minnesota led the Badgers 3-2 until Casey O’Brien scored the game tying goal with 8.8 seconds remaining by banking the puck off of Minnesota goalie Skyler Vetter’s facemask from behind the net and into the goal. The Badgers would win in overtime on a goal by Lacy Eden to advance to the WCHA Championship Game where they would knock off <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> the following day. </p>
<p id="AztUmJ">Minnesota suffered another bigger loss in the long run in that game to the Badgers. In the second period Gopher sophomore forward Madison Kaiser was hit awkwardly into the boards by a Badger player. No penalty was called and she was slow to get to the bench. Gopher coach Brad Frost revealed earlier this week that she suffered an upper body injury and would miss the rest of the season. Kaiser had been the second line center all season long, and now Minnesota will need to move up third line center Emma Kreisz into that role. The Gophers had been playing with just 11 forwards for the majority of the season and it will be interesting to see if they add another player into the end of their rotation with the “fourth line” or more likely the Gophers just roll three lines the rest of the season. </p>
<p id="dcrkvc">Minnesota finished in third place in the WCHA in the regular season with an overall record of 27-9-2. Minnesota went 7-8-1 against teams in the NCAA Tournament. That number is slightly misleading as the Gophers went 1-8 against Ohio State and Wisconsin the top two overall seeds in the tournament, and 6-0-1 against Minnesota-Duluth, <a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com">UCONN</a>, and Cornell. </p>
<p id="pGo9oE">Clarkson comes into the NCAA Tournament with a loss as well to Colgate 3-0 in the ECAC Championship Game. Clarkson allowed just one goal with their goalie Michelle Pasiechnyk in net, with the other two coming late on empty net goals. Clarkson finished second in the ECAC regular season standings, just 0.5 points behind Colgate. They come into the NCAA Tournament with a 32-4-2 record with all four losses coming to fellow ECAC teams in the NCAA Tournament in Colgate, Cornell, and St. Lawrence. Overall they are 8-4 against teams in the NCAA field, again all in ECAC competition. </p>
<p id="eVBKW1">The two teams have just one common opponent this season in Cornell. The Gophers went 1-0 by defeating the Big Red 5-1 in the Championship Game of the D1 in DC event held over Thanksgiving weekend. Clarkson was 0-2 against Cornell this season losing 3-2 in OT at Cornell in January and then 3-0 at home in February. </p>
<p id="jjsFWv">The Gophers and the Green Knights have met three times in NCAA Tournament play. Minnesota won the first matchup 3-2 in overtime in the 2010 Quarterfinals at Ridder Arena but Clarkson is 2-0 in their most recent matchups. The one that stung the most was the 2014 NCAA Championship Game where the Gophers were going for the three-peat. Clarkson would defeat Minnesota 5-4 in Hamden, Connecticut to win their first NCAA Championship. In 2017 in St. Charles, Missouri the Green Knights would defeat the Gophers in the Frozen Four Semifinal 4-3 en route to their second NCAA Championship. They would win a third in 2018 and thus far are the only team outside the WCHA to raise the Walnut and Bronze Championship Trophy. </p>
<p id="k0uQT7">What will determine if the Gophers can get past Clarkson on Saturday will be their ability to play and win a very low scoring game. Clarkson is the best defensive team in the nation allowing just 1.18 goals per game this season. Pasiechnyk is one of the best goaltenders in the nation and is allowing just 1.31 goals per game this season. Her save percentage of .943 is 7th in the nation, and second of any goalie who has played the majority of a team’s games. The Gophers rank 13th in the nation in defense allowing 2.03 goals per game. Minnesota will likely play Skyler Vetter who has had up and down games this season. She has a 2.26 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. Minnesota’s other goalie Lucy Morgan is a transfer from St. Lawrence and is very familiar with the Green Knights. She has slightly better stats this season with a 1.68 GAA and a .929 save percentage while playing a slightly easier schedule. A year ago she went 0-4-1 against Clarkson for the Saints. </p>
<p id="gBMmx4">Offensively the teams are very evenly matched. Minnesota averages 3.5 goals per game to rank 6th in the nation while Clarkson averages 3.45 goals per game to rank 7th. The Gophers are led by redshirt junior Abbey Murphy. The Top -10 Patty Kazmaier Finalist leads the nation with 33 goals and is 5th in the nation in points with 60. She also leads the nation in penalty minutes with 114 and it will be absolutely key for Murphy to try and stay out of the box and on the ice for the Gophers as much as possible. Josefin Bouveng is second of the Gophers roster with both 48 points and 18 goals in what has been a breakout sophomore season. Clarkson is led by Nicole Gosling who has 37 points and 14 goals. The Green Knights scoring is much more spread across the roster as they have three players including Gosling with a team leading 14 goals on the season and have six players with 30 or more points on the season where the Gophers have just four. </p>
<p id="j6srj2">Special teams could easily be the make or break point for one of these teams seasons on Saturday and again is a great battle and fairly evenly matched. Clarkson has the #1 ranked penalty kill in the nation with a 91.8% kill rate, while the Gophers are 6th at 89.4% killed. Minnesota has the #1 power play in that nation with a 37% success rate while Clarkson is #5 at 27.2%. </p>
<p id="uRYGKY">The winner of the Minnesota/ Clarkson quarterfinal is likely to face #1 overall seed Ohio State in a Frozen Four semifinal. The Buckeyes will host #8 seed Minnesota-Duluth a winner in double overtime over #9 seed UConn 1-0 in a quarterfinal on Saturday. The other side of the NCAA Tournament bracket features #2 seed Wisconsin hosting the #7 seeded St. Lawrence Saints who defeated #10 seed Penn State 1-0 in overtime, and #3 seed Colgate who will host ECAC foe #6 seed Cornell.</p>
<p id="fKxop5">Good luck to the Gophers on Saturday! The game will stream for free via ESPN+. </p>
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<h2 id="uocyPa">HOW TO WATCH: NCAA WOMEN’S HOCKEY QUARTERFINAL</h2>
<h3 id="Argmaw">#5 Minnesota Golden Gophers @ #4 Clarkson Green Knights</h3>
<p id="QdfORR">Where: Cheel Arena, Potsdam ,New York</p>
<p id="SOA8Gu">When: 1 PM Saturday</p>
<p id="y3NsRI">Stream: <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/b1210531-f9c1-4eaa-9f32-996245dba5ce">ESPN+</a></p>
<p id="xPbCzE">Audio <a href="https://gophersports.com/watch/live">Gophersports.com</a></p>
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https://www.thedailygopher.com/2024/3/15/24100733/minnesota-womens-hockey-gophers-ncaa-quarterfinal-preview-at-clarkson-green-knights-ecacAndy York2024-03-14T14:09:55-05:002024-03-14T14:09:55-05:00Big Ten Tournament: Brewery guide for Big Ten fans in the Twin Cities
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<p>Big Ten, Basketball and Beer!</p> <p id="tw2xbs">Hey there Big Ten basketball fans. Around the blogosphere, you will often see guides for visiting fans for the best local restaurants, bars and activities. I have very little to offer for restaurant advice, but I know breweries.</p>
<p id="N3yJkD">Wanted to give a quick guide to fans in town who also love some good beer. This is not an exhaustive list of breweries, you can Google that. But this is a short list of the best </p>
<p id="7rli1u"><strong>DOWNTOWN</strong></p>
<p id="RFJoMe">These are the breweries that are within walking distance of Target Center. So if you are staying downtown or just have some time in between games, these are easy to hit.</p>
<p id="BNHkDW"><a href="https://modistbrewing.com/">Modist Brewing</a> - Probably a 10-min walk from Target Center, just on the other side of Target Field. Modist makes some of <a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com/2022/6/27/23175986/tdg-offseason-off-topic-the-4th-annual-ranking-of-10-elite-minnesota-breweries">the best beer in the state</a>. If you only go to one brewery this weekend and aren’t going to drive anywhere, this is the one. Their lagers and their IPAs are always good and if you’re lucky they will have a stout on tap, but that’s less frequent.</p>
<p id="1dPwcF"><a href="https://www.bricksworthbeer.co/north-loop-home">Bricksworth</a> - just so happens to be across the street from Modist and they make great Detroit-style pizza. They DO have a great stout on tap currently and their IPAs are always great.</p>
<p id="OWPB3E">Fulton and Inbound are also a couple blocks away from the two mentioned above. You can make a quick little brewery tour in between sessions.</p>
<p id="e2auF0"><strong>A REASONABLE UBER AWAY</strong></p>
<p id="mWONjd">These breweries are a little further out, but if you have the time and want to take an Uber for an afternoon, these are the breweries that are highly recommended.</p>
<p id="xcmlCa"><a href="https://fallingknife.beer/">Falling Knife</a> - again, if you’re only going to go to one from this group, Falling Knife is the one. Verbal Tip IPA is always delicious and you can currently get a yummy barrel-aged stout called Shakey Hands.</p>
<p id="WM3T0a"><a href="https://fairstate.coop/">Fair State</a> - These guys always have a great mix of all styles, and all are done well. </p>
<p id="0xZM8C"><a href="https://www.blackstackbrewing.com/">Blackstack</a> - You like IPAs? They have all the IPAs. This is one of my favorite spaces in the area. Blackstack is basically located between Minneapolis and St. Paul downtowns.</p>
<p id="dner8C"><a href="https://barreltheory.com/">Barrel Theory</a> - Now you’re having to travel all the way to downtown St. Paul, but Barrel Theory is one of the best.</p>
<p id="kfnyBU"><strong>WORTH THE DRIVE</strong></p>
<p id="H4ZoeN">These are a little further out, but worth it.</p>
<p id="or9KY6"><a href="https://www.backchannelbrewing.com/">Back Channel</a> - On the shores of Lake Minnetonka and probably 25 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. A great atmosphere, great service and better beers.</p>
<p id="5HuCvV"><a href="https://www.elmcreekbrewing.com/">Elm Creek</a> - Again, probably 25 min away, but you’re heading to the northwest burbs. Elm Creek has quietly been making better and better beer. </p>
<p id="3rXhmg">There are many more that are worth checking out, but this isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list.</p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2024/3/14/24100936/big-ten-tournament-brewery-guide-for-big-ten-fans-in-the-twin-citiesGopherNation2024-03-14T13:29:24-05:002024-03-14T13:29:24-05:00Spartans dominate 2nd half to beat Minnesota 67-77 in the Big Ten Tournament
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Second Round-Minnesota vs Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-9smxUrYkYE-q9_3yuo12KO6cDk=/0x0:2738x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73207412/usa_today_22771111.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The season may be over for the Gophers after losing to Michigan State 67-77</p> <p id="FX8cjr">Michigan State scored 45 points in the 2nd half to pull away from Minnesota, winning their opening Big Ten Tournament game 67-77.</p>
<p id="puBlUj">Basketball is often a game of runs and this was on full display in the first half. Minnesota opened the game playing great defense early and making their shots to start the game 7-0.. </p>
<p id="ZECNAS">Michigan State answered that with a 14-3 run to take a 14-10 lead. Their run was too easy as they had 2 dunks, 3 layups and a Holloman three and the Gopher defense was failing.</p>
<p id="dptp6j">That MSU run was immediately turned around into a Gopher 11-0 run. Elijah Hawkins made a three, Pharrel Payne got 3 the old-fashioned way, Parker Fox with a dunk and then Dawson Garcia nailed a three. This run put the Gophers up 21-14 and from there the half was tightly contested with the Spartans chipping away at the lead and Minnesota had a 32-34 lead at the half.</p>
<p id="Y9Sx13">The second half started with Minnesota very clearly trying to get the ball inside. Pharrel Payne scored the first 6 points of the half for Minnesota. He was bullying his way to the basket making one FG and drawing fouls, where he was 4/4 from the line. But he quickly picked up his 3rd foul, was forced to the bench.</p>
<p id="Bso5CZ">Again, both teams battled for the first several minutes of the half and Minnesota confidently held a 49-45 lead with 12:56 left to play. From this point, it was all Sparty. Minnesota battled on offense but was incapable of stopping Michigan State on their end of the floor. Sparty had 30 points in the paint in the second half and scored on 22 of their 32 offensive possessions. They scored 45 points in the second half, attempting only 2 three-points, making them both. </p>
<p id="XUAJvn">It was an offensive clinic.</p>
<p id="PRKp9E">Minnesota was trading baskets for a stretch, unable to get the game closer than an 8-point margin. Besides the defensive lapses, it was turnovers and missed free throws that prevented the Gophers from keeping up offensively. </p>
<p id="EWEd2R">Michigan State moves on and Minnesota’s season may have come to an end. Breaking down the unexpectedly successful season will come next week, but it was a fun season and there is a lot of hope heading into next fall. Tom Izzo commented on how well Coach Johnson did this year and what to expect from the Gophers next year.</p>
<blockquote><p id="Z59jun">“Ben’s done an unbelievable job with the program, they could be the #1 team in the league next year.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="l29DTC">The Gophers now await their fate with the NIT, hoping they have an opportunity to continue their season. But today, Tom Izzo and his Spartans dominated the final 13 minutes to move on in March.</p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2024/3/14/24100910/minnesota-basketball-spartans-dominate-2nd-half-to-beat-minnesota-67-77-in-the-big-ten-tournamentGopherNation2024-03-14T10:47:57-05:002024-03-14T10:47:57-05:00OPEN THREAD - Michigan State and the Gophers in Big Ten Tourney
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Minnesota" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ouHQV01vbBPaL4yKVtiDZg1xcrY=/0x0:2738x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73206842/usa_today_22460741.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>March Madness has begun.</p> <p id="y0Wyjo">Let the madness begin with a win over Sparty!</p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2024/3/14/24100822/minnesota-gopher-basketball-open-thread-michigan-state-and-the-gophers-in-big-ten-tourneyGopherNation