BIG TEN FIRST ROUND


As the Big Ten Tournament tips off today The Gophers are practically guarantied an NIT bid, unless of course they run the table and win the Big Ten thus getting the at large Bid to the NCAA Tournament.Just as an NIT bid is guarantied for the Gophers so to is a trip to the quarterfinals to face Indiana. Thanks to landing Northwestern in the 1st round, a team that the Gophers have beaten up on all year.

Northwestern runs a 1-3-1 zone defense, so expect the Gophers two try to drive the ball in the lane early. The zone will probably stop the gophers near the free throw line but from there it will be easy for Tollackson to create a passing lane under the basket for some high % FGs. With his size advantage against NW expect them to try to foul him and not give up those easy baskets.

Also as we know the 3 ball has been a very important part of the Gophers offense all year, especially in the two previous games when these teams have gone head to head. Blake Hoffarber is 9-14 from behind the arch vs. NW this season, so between him and McKenzie (who as of lately has been hot closing games) NW would be foolish to not get out on our shooters.

Defense however the Gophers will need to try to hold 6-8 forward Coble from getting hot from outside the 3-point line. It will most likely be Colman's job to lock him down however Coble will score at least 14 pts. just because he is the teams go to guy.

Overall with the Gophers solid ball pressure they should be able to pull out the win as long as they can win the rebounding margin as well as not turn over the basketball since NW has one of the top assist-to-turnover ratios in the Big Ten.

Comments

Castor said…
Our first win! Did not watch it, I was at school all day but now it's over: Spring Break!!!!!!! I've been twitching to go golf, can't wait the opening of the season, and get my game to the next level 80 maybe? lol