Marcus: A victory Thursday would likely cause fans to storm the court again

BleedGopher

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per Marcus:

Richard Pitino was asked after the Gophers won at Wisconsin last month if that was the biggest victory of his coaching career.

Fifty days later, he hopes to be asked the same question again Thursday night.

Beating the Badgers — the Gophers’ first victory in Madison in 10 years — is still Minnesota’s best win this season. But the biggest win of Pitino’s career, one that could end up getting his team into the NCAA tournament, is available for the taking Thursday against No. 7 Michigan at Williams Arena.

“It’s a huge opportunity for us,” Pitino said. “We’ve only got two home games left, so hopefully it’s a sellout. Hopefully, it’s a crazy environment, because we need that. It’s one of the biggest games we’ve played in a long time.”

In his six seasons at Minnesota, Pitino is 2-10 vs. top-10 teams. The highest-ranked opponent the Gophers have topped in Pitino’s tenure is No. 6 Maryland, in a 68-63 victory on Feb. 18, 2016. That was also the last court-storming at the Barn. The U’s first Big Ten victory during that 8-23 season shocked college hoops.

Gophers senior captains Jordan Murphy and Dupree McBrayer are the only players left from that big upset.

“Since me and Dupree have been there against a top-10 team before, we just have to keep in our guys’ ears about staying poised and calm,” Murphy said. “The building’s going to be packed. We’ve got to bring our energy, bring our focus.”

A victory Thursday would likely cause fans to storm the court again — this time on a new, much shinier raised floor. But the significance of beating Michigan (23-3, 12-3 Big Ten) also could carry over beyond one magical moment.

http://www.startribune.com/gophers-...basketball-rematch-with-wolverines/506136542/

Go Gophers!!
 




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