DanielHouse
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When the Gophers play with tempo and create high-energy plays on defense, the entire game changes. Minnesota trailed by six points in the first half, but created defensive deflections to get in a rhythm. Guard Gabe Kalscheur had 23 points, including five three-pointers. Big-man Daniel Oturu was even more dominant in the post. Oturu scored 21 points and snatched 20 rebounds. The Gophers extended their winning streak to three games with an 89-62 win over Florida International.
Minnesota managed to overcome a slow start and breezed to an easy victory. In the opening minutes, the Panthers grabbed five quick offensive rebounds and played scrappy around the rim. Florida International’s backcourt started to hit shots from behind the arc, including a long-range hit by guard Trejon Jacob.
Near the midway point of the first half, Minnesota trailed by six points, but pulled out of the deficit behind strong team defense. Jarvis Omersa provided a spark off the bench with a deflection that led to an easy layup by Kalscheur. Omersa has continued to occasionally provide high-energy plays while coming off the bench. Late last season, we witnessed glimpses of Omersa’s energy, especially on the defensive end. The sophomore forward only had two points and one rebound, but his contributions didn’t completely show up in the box score. Omersa’s early energy and hustle plays were underrated aspects of this game.
Kalscheur also opened the game shooting 1-for-6, but slowly started to find his shot. He was agressive off the dribble, which helped him get into a rhythm. Kalscheur hit four of his next five shots, including a corner three-pointer. Minnesota started to move the ball better and created open looks for the sophomore guard. Oturu got a post touch and reversed to Kalscheur for an effortless long-range hit. The Gophers overcame an early shooting drought to grab a 15-point lead with 2:52 remaining in the first half.
Gophers’ big-man Daniel Oturu has been gaining national attention for his performance during Minnesota’s non-conference slate. He continues to make smooth moves in the post and is impacting shots on the defensive end. Oturu had seven points and five rebounds in the first six minutes of action. He was crashing the glass and grabbed six offensive boards that created easy put backs. Entering Saturday’s game, the Panthers also led the NCAA in blocked shots behind the efforts of senior big-man Osasumwen Osaghae. Osaghae had five blocks, but many of them redirected back to Oturu for easy baskets.
Oturu is so physical and detailed around the rim. The Gophers have many offensive options when they receive inside-out action. Oturu gets down on the low block and can effortlessly get position. He had several touches where he had a defender on his back and made a quick drop-step to the rim.
Minnesota’s team defense helped them increase the tempo and get into a rhythm. Prior to Saturday’s game, Florida International ranked No. 15 in adjusted tempo, according to Ken Pom. The Gophers managed to put the Panthers in less transition situations and played really sound help defense. Kalscheur and Oturu specifically stood out on the defensive end and limited Florida International’s half-court success.
Guard Marcus Carr also caught fire in the second half. Carr only had four points in the first 20 minutes, but ended the game 4-for-8 (17 overall points). The redshirt sophomore was displaying his ability to attack and create his own shot. On the glass, Carr chased down loose balls and grabbed seven rebounds. When Carr is clicking offensively, the Gophers’ ball movement improves and quality shots are created.
Minnesota was also aggressive off the dribble, which helped them get to the free throw line. They took advantage of those opportunities while drilling 29 of their 30 free throw attempts.
After Saturday’s win, the Gophers finished non-conference play with a 5-4 record. Minnesota has also played the tenth-toughest schedule in college basketball to prepare for Big Ten action. The Gophers return to the conference schedule on Jan. 2 for a road matchup against the Purdue Boilermakers.
Minnesota managed to overcome a slow start and breezed to an easy victory. In the opening minutes, the Panthers grabbed five quick offensive rebounds and played scrappy around the rim. Florida International’s backcourt started to hit shots from behind the arc, including a long-range hit by guard Trejon Jacob.
Near the midway point of the first half, Minnesota trailed by six points, but pulled out of the deficit behind strong team defense. Jarvis Omersa provided a spark off the bench with a deflection that led to an easy layup by Kalscheur. Omersa has continued to occasionally provide high-energy plays while coming off the bench. Late last season, we witnessed glimpses of Omersa’s energy, especially on the defensive end. The sophomore forward only had two points and one rebound, but his contributions didn’t completely show up in the box score. Omersa’s early energy and hustle plays were underrated aspects of this game.
Kalscheur also opened the game shooting 1-for-6, but slowly started to find his shot. He was agressive off the dribble, which helped him get into a rhythm. Kalscheur hit four of his next five shots, including a corner three-pointer. Minnesota started to move the ball better and created open looks for the sophomore guard. Oturu got a post touch and reversed to Kalscheur for an effortless long-range hit. The Gophers overcame an early shooting drought to grab a 15-point lead with 2:52 remaining in the first half.
Gophers’ big-man Daniel Oturu has been gaining national attention for his performance during Minnesota’s non-conference slate. He continues to make smooth moves in the post and is impacting shots on the defensive end. Oturu had seven points and five rebounds in the first six minutes of action. He was crashing the glass and grabbed six offensive boards that created easy put backs. Entering Saturday’s game, the Panthers also led the NCAA in blocked shots behind the efforts of senior big-man Osasumwen Osaghae. Osaghae had five blocks, but many of them redirected back to Oturu for easy baskets.
Oturu is so physical and detailed around the rim. The Gophers have many offensive options when they receive inside-out action. Oturu gets down on the low block and can effortlessly get position. He had several touches where he had a defender on his back and made a quick drop-step to the rim.
Minnesota’s team defense helped them increase the tempo and get into a rhythm. Prior to Saturday’s game, Florida International ranked No. 15 in adjusted tempo, according to Ken Pom. The Gophers managed to put the Panthers in less transition situations and played really sound help defense. Kalscheur and Oturu specifically stood out on the defensive end and limited Florida International’s half-court success.
Guard Marcus Carr also caught fire in the second half. Carr only had four points in the first 20 minutes, but ended the game 4-for-8 (17 overall points). The redshirt sophomore was displaying his ability to attack and create his own shot. On the glass, Carr chased down loose balls and grabbed seven rebounds. When Carr is clicking offensively, the Gophers’ ball movement improves and quality shots are created.
Minnesota was also aggressive off the dribble, which helped them get to the free throw line. They took advantage of those opportunities while drilling 29 of their 30 free throw attempts.
After Saturday’s win, the Gophers finished non-conference play with a 5-4 record. Minnesota has also played the tenth-toughest schedule in college basketball to prepare for Big Ten action. The Gophers return to the conference schedule on Jan. 2 for a road matchup against the Purdue Boilermakers.
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