Minnesota Basketball-Previewing Chicago State

The Gophers look to snap a three game non-conference losing streak.

By Ustreet@UStreetTDG Dec 16, 2015, 10:53am CST

After going from the second longest non-conference winning streak in the country to a three game losing streak, the Gophers look to get their first win in December against Chicago State. Minnesota is 5-5 on the season. This is the second to last non-conference home game. For those attending, the Barnyard is having Star Wars Day. I hope all of you will be dressed as Jar Jar Binks.

Provide Me the Essentials to View this Game

Who are the Gophers Playing

Chicago State Cougars

What time are they playing

7pm CST

Where are they playing

Williams Arena

Can I watch the game on TV

Unclear why you would, but in any event you can't. The game is on ESPN3.

Can I listen to the game on the radio

Yes. 1500ESPN.

Tell me more about the Opponent

Chicago State is a bad basketball team. They are 3-8 on the season, but every single win has come against a non D1 team. The Cougars score around .9 points per possession and give up 1.07 points per possession, ranking 342 and 294th in the country respectively. Chicago State struggles to hold on to the ball, cannot shoot, and rarely gets to the foul line.

If the Gophers lose, I will publicly advocate that Pitino be fired in the parking lot.

Keys to the Game

Just Win Baby. Seriously. Chicago State is exactly the team the Gophers need to play right now, a creampuff.
Execute a coherent offense. Minnesota will have ample opportunities to score in this game, and could play street ball offense and still win by 15. The Gophers should build a big lead, and then use this game as practice for the rest of the season. Minnesota will be able to play their base offense and score a lot of points.
Move the ball. There's an old basketball drill to teach ball movement that demands that a player never hold on to the ball for more than a second. They either have to pass, shoot, or attack the basket. If they hold it for too long, the player is subbed out. Minnesota has multiple players who unnecessarily hold the ball to the detriment of the offense. Tonight, those players should see the bench if they do so.

Predictions

Minnesota wins comfortably 84-65.
Jordan Murphy has another double double.
The Walks on play in garbage time.

Finally I'll leave you with a video that I found browsing YouTube. Vance Walberg explains the Dribble Drive Motion offense. It's an hour long, but as audio makes a nice podcast. I present it with unstated comment.