Gophers are hosting the North Texas Mean Green, here is how you can watch.
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The Barn
7:00 PM
B1G+
North Texas
Bring on the undefeated Mean Green of North Texas.
North Texas Mean Green
Record: 2-0
KenPom Rank: 73
This is actually one of the toughest non-conference opponents we have on the schedule. The Mean Green are one of the top teams in the AAC and might be a tournament team. This is a pretty big game for both programs this year.
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN
Rebounding is a big one tonight – We just faced a team with a lineup up 6’8” forwards, we now face a starting lineup with three guys who are 6’5” or shorter. But here’s the thing…they all rebound. Maybe their numbers are inflated from facing an NAIA opponent, but so far the Gophers are rebounding well. The Mean Green ranked 2nd nationally in defensive rebounding percentage, and 9th offensively.
Can we shoot or can we not? – Minnesota shot 17.6% from three in their win over Omaha after shooting 61% in their opening game. So which team is it? I don’t think we will win very many games going 3/17 from deep.
Find a consistent 2nd option – Dawson Garcia is looking calm and confident on the floor, averaging 27 points per game, but the team needs a consistent 2nd option. Could that be Lu’Cye Patterson? Or maybe Mike Mitchell Jr? Last game it was Trey Edmonds, but I don’t see that as a realistic option for the season. I’d love to see Patterson gain some confidence in the offense and expand his scoring role a bit.
PREDICTION
Do not at all be surprised if this is a close game, these teams are not very far apart on paper. I expect North Texas will come out ready to take down a Big Ten team and boost their resume.
If North Texas is going to win this game, it will be because Jasper Floyd is a disruptor on defense and making a lot of noise on offense. It will be very interesting to see how we defend a dynamic perimeter player.
Ultimately I think that the Omaha game was a the perfect time for Minnesota to struggle and put things on film that need to be corrected. I predict they come out with more assertiveness and crisper execution. This one shouldn’t be easy, but the Gophers come away with a win at home.
UPDATE: Mike Mitchell Jr. is OUT for tonight’s game and Garcia is a game-time decision. This makes a big difference in the expected outcome.
Minnesota – 71
North Texas – 69