University of Minnesota Athletics
Men's Basketball Escapes Furman With 91-84 Overtime Win
11/30/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Furman took a 78-76 lead with 34 seconds left in the game on two free throws by Eric Webb. With 14 seconds remaining, Michael Bauer rebounded an Adam Boone missed jumper and scored to tie the game. The Paladins then missed a chance to win the game when Maleye Ndoye missed an open jumper as time expired. Ndoye carried the Paladins with 32 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Furman took its largest lead of the game at 48-43 on a three-pointer by Ndoye with 16:48 remaining. The Gopher fought back with a 13-4 run capped by a Johnson hoop to take a 56-52 lead with 12:53 left. Furman would tie the game at 71-71 on a Webb trey with 3:14 remainingh but Boone answered on the Gophers' ensuing possession with a three- pointer to give Minnesota a 74-71 edge. Stan Gaines missed two free throws with 2:16 on the clock and the Paladins reeled off five straight points to lead 76-74 with 1:02 left. Johnson made a fall-away jumper with 48 seconds to knot the game at 76-76.
The Gophers controlled overtime, taking a five-point edge at 83-78 on a Johnson driving layup. Minnesota expanded its lead to 91-82 on two free throws by Bauer. The Gophers were 8-12 from the line in overtime.
Minnesota led for the majority of the first half, taking a 17-10 advantage with 14:24 left. The Gophers led by as many as 10 points in the half with 8:26 on the clock on a Kris Humphries basket. Humphries was 6-of-6 for 13 points in the half. The Paladins came back to tie a 37-37 but Minnesota closed the first half with a 41-39 edge after two Johnson free throws.
In addition to Johnson's 32 points, Humphries added 26 points and seven rebounds, marking the third straight game he has topped the 20- point plateau. Adam Boone added a season-high 17 points.
Ndoye tied a career-high with 32 points. Quan Prowell added 15 for the Paladins.
Minnesota returns to action on Wednesday, Dec. 3 when it travels to Virginia for the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on ESPN2 at 8:30 p.m. Central Time.
Post Game Notes
- This was the first overtime game since Mar. 27, 2003 at Temple in the third round of the NIT. Minnesota won that game 63-58. Minnesota is 6- 2 in overtime under Monson.
- This was the fourth meeting ever between Minnesota and Furman. The Gophers now lead the series 3-1. Minnesota is 4-1 all-time against the Southern Conference.
- Minnesota is 40-12 all-time in non-conference games under Dan Monson. The Golden Gophers are 34-4 in non-conference games at Williams Arena under Dan Monson.
- Dan Monson improved to 16-3 in the month of November.
- Kris Humphries scored in double figures for the third time this season.
- Humphries scored 20+ points for the third straight game.
- Ben Johnson scored in double figures for the first time this season and the eighth time in his career at Minnesota.
- Johnson set a career-high (including Northwestern) with 32 points. He also set career-highs in field goals (12) and field goals attempted (19).
- Johnson is the first Minnesota player to score 30 points since Kerwin Fleming had 31 vs. Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament on Mar. 8, 2001.
- Adam Boone scored in double figures for the first time in his Minnesota career.
- Minnesota's 91 points are the most since notching 104 against Fairleigh Dickinson on Dec. 13, 2002. The 91 points are tied for the 10th-most in a game under Dan Monson.
Post-Game Quotes
Furman Head Coach Larry Davis
"When you are in the position we were in today you have to be happy as a coach. I couldn't have asked for a whole lot more. We had some good looks at the end, but they did not fall for us in the end."
"We did a nice job of cutting the lead down because they were up by ten at one point. We knew that if we cut the lead we would have a chance at the end."
"The pressure was obviously on them to win because they were playing at home, but Monson did a great job of getting his team together in overtime."
"Ben Johnson shot the ball unbelievably today. He was the difference in the game. We were prepared for Kris Humphries, and he had a good game too, but Johnson was the difference."
"We had two great looks at the end of the second and we executed them just as we planned. But they did no go in for us. I am proud of my guys, they gave it their all."
Minnesota Head Coach Dan Monson
"I think we are elated to get out a win this afternoon. I am proud of our guys and that we pulled it out in the end. The pressure was on us to win today, and we handled that pressure down the stretch."
"We scrapped things out on both ends of the floor. Being down by two at the end and coming back in overtime was a real confidence booster for us."
"We have been off for ten days and have worked on offense. I am happy that we came out and worked well offensively. There are things we have to work on defensively and we need to get that together before Wednesday's game."
"Every team has a game like this early in their season and it is something we need to learn form and build on."
"Ben Johnson had 32 point today and was tremendous for us. He gave us a lot on offense, but he was so active on the other end of the floor as well. He did a lot for us today. He was doing it all."
Stan Gaines
On the outcome of the game
"It was back and forth for most of the game. I never thought that it was out of control. Somebody will pick each other up and that's the way it happened today. The 10 days of rest and practice helped us find our identity on the defensive end and with rebounding. We battled so hard to get back in the game, we had to win."
Adam Boone
On the play of the team.
"We blew a lot of opportunities, but in the second half we felt like we were always in control. It turned out to take a little longer to gain control than we liked."
On his three in overtime.
"It was nip and tuck until Ben found me for that three and then I thought it was like the nail in the coffin. I was having a lot of fun out there and never was concerned."
Ben Johnson
Did you feel like the go to guy today.
"Well I sure felt comfortable in practice this week, and when your teammates set you up nicely it carries you through the game."
On any doubts during the game.
"Everyone had confidence throughout the game. As long as we stuck together and stayed patient, we realized that scrappiness and defense would get us over the hump."
Kris Humphries
On getting worried during the game.
"I always go through a game thinking the best and not worry at all."
On getting the first 9 of the Gophers 12 points.
"I just take what the defense gives me and then I take advantages of their mistakes, as well as take advantage of what my teammates give me. I am very tired after this one."
