Game Summary
In a commanding display on Saturday, the Minnesota Golden Gophers triumphed over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with a score of 80-61. Cade Tyson was the standout performer, contributing a remarkable 27 points, alongside 10 rebounds, while hitting seven three-pointers on an impressive shooting night.
Team Performance
Despite being limited to a mere six players for this game, Minnesota managed to secure its second consecutive victory, demonstrating impressive depth and stamina. All five starters not only reached double digits in scoring but also played significant minutes, each logging at least 36 minutes on the court. Their substitute, Kai Shinholster, who saw 13 minutes of action, was unable to score.
Tyson orchestrated much of the offensive output, connecting on 10 of his 18 attempts from the field and illustrating his proficiency beyond the arc, shooting 7 for 9 from three-point range. Supporting him were Langston Reynolds, who netted 19 points and distributed nine assists, along with Bobby Durkin, who contributed 12 points. Both Isaac Asuma and Grayson Grove also played pivotal roles, each finishing with 11 points for the Golden Gophers, now standing at 13 wins and 14 losses, with a 6-10 record in the Big Ten.
Shooting Accuracy
The team demonstrated remarkable shooting accuracy, hitting 60% of their shots overall and converting 15 of 26 from long distance. Their performance in the first half was particularly notable, as they shot 57% and effectively locked down Rutgers’ offense, holding them to only 36% shooting throughout the game. At halftime, Minnesota led comfortably with a score of 36-23.
Rutgers Performance
In contrast, for Rutgers, Lino Mark was the top scorer with 16 points, while Dylan Grant added 15, and Tariq Francis chipped in with 10. The Scarlet Knights, who had won their previous two games—including an impressive victory over Penn State—were unable to maintain momentum against the Gophers.
Second Half Highlights
As the second half progressed, Durkin’s fourth three-pointer, following a swift shot by Tyson, propelled Minnesota to a lead of 20 points at 63-43 with nine minutes to play. From that point forward, the Gophers maintained a solid lead, ensuring their victory was never in doubt.
Injury Challenges
This win comes amidst challenges for the Gophers, as they continue to cope with injuries; junior forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is now sidelined indefinitely due to a foot injury, while key players Robert Vaihola and Chansey Willis have been lost for the season. Additionally, both B.J. Omot and Chance Stephens have been unavailable throughout the entire season.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Rutgers will welcome Washington for their next matchup on Tuesday, while Minnesota is set to face off against top-ranked Michigan on the same day.
