Gophers Dominate Alcorn State with Record 95-50 Victory

UPDATE: The Gophers men’s basketball team surged to a stunning 95-50 victory over Alcorn State on November 11, 2023, at Williams Arena, marking their largest margin of victory since 1976. With a relentless defense that stifled their opponents, Minnesota jumped out to a commanding 17-0 lead before Alcorn State could even score, showcasing their readiness and intensity right from the tip-off.

In an electrifying morning game, the Gophers did not allow a single basket until 12:10 remained in the first half. This remarkable defensive effort set the tone for the blowout, with Minnesota capitalizing on 16 turnovers from Alcorn State to score 27 points off those mistakes. Head coach Niko Medved praised his team’s focus and determination, emphasizing their commitment to defensive strategy.

“Guys’ mentality was awesome,” said Medved. “We were really locked in defensively… Our defense led to some early offense, and we just never looked back.”

Minnesota’s performance reflects a continuation of their strong start to the season. In their opener against Gardner-Webb, they similarly held their opponents scoreless for over 11 minutes, allowing only 60 points in that match. The Gophers now stand at 2-0 and will face tougher competition this week against Missouri, who is also undefeated.

Despite the impressive victory, context is vital. Alcorn State fell to 0-3 and is currently ranked 328th out of 365 teams, according to analytics site KenPom. This raises questions about the Gophers’ performance against more formidable opponents.

Key player Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who transferred from Colorado State, achieved his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. His defensive prowess was evident as he kept Alcorn State’s leading scorer, Nick Woodward, to 0-for-5 shooting and no points.

Point guard Chansey Willis, who struggled in the season opener, led the first half with 11 points and ended with 13 points. Meanwhile, Cade Tyson contributed significantly, finishing with 21 points, including an impressive 10 of 11 from the free-throw line.

Despite a strong roster, the Gophers faced challenges with injuries, missing key players including BJ Omot and Grayson Grove. Only nine players were suited up, keeping regulars on the court late into the game.

As Minnesota prepares for their upcoming challenge against Missouri, the Gophers’ strong start is turning heads, and fans eagerly await how they will perform against tougher competition.

Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!