University of Minnesota Athletics
RICKERT LEADS GOLDEN GOPHERS TO 75-72 WIN OVER OREGON
12/10/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Freshman forward Rick Rickert scored a career-high 28 points to lead Minnesota (5-3) to a 75-72 victory over Oregon (4-3) this evening at Williams Arena. Despite shooting just 40 percent from the field, the Golden Gophers persevered to halt a two-game losing streak.
The Golden Gophers started off on fire, jumping out to a 12-0 lead. However, Oregon answered with a 23-11 run to tie the game with 8:52 remaining in the first half. A James Davis basket at the buzzer gave Oregon a 34-33 lead at the half.
Oregon carried the momentum into the second half, extending its advantage to a 58-49 lead with 11:04 left in the game. Minnesota responded with an 11-1 run to take a 60-59 lead with 7:26 left, capped by a driving baseline dunk by Rickert. The Golden Gophers inched ahead, eventually claiming a five-point lead at 69-64 on a layup by Kevin Burleson and never looked back as they hit six-of-eight free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Rickert's 28-point performance is the most by a Minnesota freshman since Randy Carter notched 29 against Northwestern on January 26, 1991. He just missed his second double-double of the season, leading Minnesota with nine rebounds. Kerwin Fleming (14), Travarus Bennett (11) and Dusty Rychart (10) also scored in double figures for the Golden Gophers.
Oregon was led by Chris Christoffersen, Luke Ridnour, Frederick Jones and James Davis with 11 points each.
Minnesota hosts Maryland-Eastern Shore on Thursday night at Williams Arena. The tip is set for 7:05 p.m.
