The Gophers men’s basketball team wasn’t groggy for its Saturday morning tip-off against Alcorn State at Williams Arena.
Instead of an energy drink, the jolt was Minnesota’s stifling defense, which didn’t allow a bucket until 12:10 left in the first half. The U jumped out to a 17-0 lead in a 95-50 blowout win.
The Gophers had a similar sizzling start in the season opener against Gardner-Webb, not allowing a made field goal until 11:17 remained in the first half of that 87-60 win on Monday.
Combined, that’s more than 16 total minutes without a basket given up to start the opening two games of head coach Niko Medved’s tenure.
Both beginnings have been impressive, but need to be put in context. Alcorn State fell to 0-3 and was ranked 328th out of 365 teams nationwide, according to analytics site KenPom. Gardner-Webb dropped to 0-2 with a 97-59 defeat to Clemson on Friday and are 323 in KenPom.
Minnesota (2-0) will play at Missouri (2-0) on Wednesday.
On Saturday, the Gophers scored 27 points off 16 turnovers forced.
Point guard Chansey Willis, who was held scoreless in the opener, led the way in the first half with 11 points and four assists. He finished with 13 points.
Cade Tyson, who had a game-high 30 points against Gardner-Webb, finished with 21 points, including 10 of 11 shooting from the free-throw line.
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who joined Medved in a move from Colorado State, posted his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. On Monday, he had 13 points and 14 boards.
BJ Omot and Grayson Grove missed Saturday’s game with injuries. Omot (leg) also missed the season opener on Monday.
With some walk-ons also unavailable, Minnesota had only nine players suited up, which kept some regulars on the court at the end of the blowout.
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