University of Minnesota Athletics
MINNESOTA WINS SECOND OVERTIME GAME OF THE SEASON
12/28/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
MinnesotThe Golden Gopher men's basketball team won their second overtime game of the season with a 74-70 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Williams Arena. Despite poor shooting in the first half, Minnesota was able to overcome as much as a six-point deficit to improve their record to 11-1.
The Golden Gophers had a rough time in the first half, shooting only .333 from the field (10-30). The Huskers had trouble of their own, however, as they tallied 11 turnovers and allowed Minnesota to stay in the game. Minnesota went into the lockerroom at the half down by only four, 27-31.
The Golden Gopher's shooting woes continued early in the second half, but they were able to stage a comeback, led by senior John-Blair Bickerstaff. Minnesota was behind by six at the 16:38 mark. They came within four on a Terrance Simmons dunk off a pass from Bickerstaff. Bickerstaff narrowed the margin to two on a reverse layup with 15:21 remaining.
The scored continued to totter back and forth, and it looked as if Minnesota's luck was running out when Terrance Simmons was sent to the line with his team down by three and nine seconds remaining on the clock. Simmons made the front end of the one-and-one, but missed the second, only to have Bickerstaff's heroics kick in. Bickerstaff tipped in the missed free throw to tie the game at 59-59, and eventaully sending the game into overtime.
The Golden Gophers dominated the overtime, scoring six unanswered points to open the period, including a three-pointer by Bickerstaff. Nebraska came within two on a three-point shot by John Robinson, but was never able to close the gap. Minnesota finished with the four-point, 74-70 win.
Minnesota was led in scoring by Bickerstaff (17), who also had seven rebounds and four assists. Three other Gophers scored in double figures. Simmons and Michael Bauer each had 14 and Dusty Rychart added 12. Bauer also led the team in rebounding with 8 and blocked four shots on the night.
Kimani Ffriend led Nebraska with 13 points while Rodney Fields and Cary Cochran each had 12. Ffriend, Fields and Cookie Belcher each pulled down eight boards. Nebraska's record falls to 7-4.
Minnesota plays Centenary Saturday at Williams Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for noon.
The Golden Gophers had a rough time in the first half, shooting only .333 from the field (10-30). The Huskers had trouble of their own, however, as they tallied 11 turnovers and allowed Minnesota to stay in the game. Minnesota went into the lockerroom at the half down by only four, 27-31.
The Golden Gopher's shooting woes continued early in the second half, but they were able to stage a comeback, led by senior John-Blair Bickerstaff. Minnesota was behind by six at the 16:38 mark. They came within four on a Terrance Simmons dunk off a pass from Bickerstaff. Bickerstaff narrowed the margin to two on a reverse layup with 15:21 remaining.
The scored continued to totter back and forth, and it looked as if Minnesota's luck was running out when Terrance Simmons was sent to the line with his team down by three and nine seconds remaining on the clock. Simmons made the front end of the one-and-one, but missed the second, only to have Bickerstaff's heroics kick in. Bickerstaff tipped in the missed free throw to tie the game at 59-59, and eventaully sending the game into overtime.
The Golden Gophers dominated the overtime, scoring six unanswered points to open the period, including a three-pointer by Bickerstaff. Nebraska came within two on a three-point shot by John Robinson, but was never able to close the gap. Minnesota finished with the four-point, 74-70 win.
Minnesota was led in scoring by Bickerstaff (17), who also had seven rebounds and four assists. Three other Gophers scored in double figures. Simmons and Michael Bauer each had 14 and Dusty Rychart added 12. Bauer also led the team in rebounding with 8 and blocked four shots on the night.
Kimani Ffriend led Nebraska with 13 points while Rodney Fields and Cary Cochran each had 12. Ffriend, Fields and Cookie Belcher each pulled down eight boards. Nebraska's record falls to 7-4.
Minnesota plays Centenary Saturday at Williams Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for noon.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's BasketballF
/ Men's BasketballF
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's BasketballPostgame Reaction: Gophers-Iowa
Wednesday, January 07
Highlights: Gophers 70, Iowa 67
Tuesday, January 06
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Win at Northwestern
Tuesday, January 06
Highlights: Gophers 84, Northwestern 78
Saturday, January 03