Minnesota Loses to St. John's 70-61

THE FACTS: A sloppy second half doomed the Gophers at Madison Square Garden. Minnesota lost to St. John's 70-61. The Red Storm closed out the game on a 16-2 run. Minnesota led by 9 at the end of the first half, but played poorly throughout the second half. The Gophers committed 21 turnovers in the game. Andre Hollins led the team in turnovers with 7. Hollins had 9 points.

THE STAT: 21. Minnesota scored 21 points in the second, and missed 17 of its last 19 shots. The offense was completely out of sync. Multiple times the Gophers refused to pass out of a double team. Everyone looked off-rhythm besides Nate Mason.

TURNING POINT: With 13:13 left to go in the game. Eliason blocked a shot and then was called for a shooting foul. He complained and was assessed a technical. St. John's turned that into 5 straight points. The Gophers never recovered. 

NOTABLE: Nate Mason had 15 points, 3 steals, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds and appeared to be the only guard ready to play tonight.

UP NEXT: I imagine a brutal film session. After that Minnesota will play the loser of Georgia-Gonzaga on Friday November 28.

OTHER: Dan Dakich is the worst commentator in college basketball. Dick Vitale has nothing on Dakich talking about shorts for two hours.