University of Minnesota Athletics
MBB: Gophers Set to Battle Holy Cross (Game Notes)
12/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The Matchup
The Minnesota Golden Gophers hope to snap a three-game losing streak at the College of the Holy Cross this afternoon. The Gophers lost a heartbreaker Tuesday, 70-69, to Florida State in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Minnesota dominated much of the game, but the inexperienced Gophers couldn't close the deal down the stretch and let a 14-point lead slip away. Holy Cross enters Williams Arena with a 3-1 record, also losers of a heartbreaker this week, at home to Princeton. The Crusaders couldn't overcome a six- point halftime deficit to the Tigers and fell, 56-53. Holy Cross already have road wins over Boston University and Harvard and a home win over Marist to their credit.
Scouting the Crusaders
Holy Cross returns four of five starters from last year's team that was the first Crusader team in four years not to make the NCAA Tournament. Expectations are high once again in Worcester for this year's team to make the program's fourth trip to the Big Dance in five years. Since the arrival of head coach Ralph Willard, Holy Cross has been one of the best defensive teams in the country. Last season, the Crusaders held their opponents to 58.6 points per game, with the opposition hitting just 40.3 percent from the field. So far this season, Holy Cross opponents are averaging just 52.0 ppg and shooting .389 from the floor.
The Crusaders are led by junior guard Kevin Hamilton. Second team All-Patriot League selection in 2003-04, Hamilton leads the team at 14.0 ppg and also grabs 6.0 rebounds per contest. His backcourt mate, Torey Thomas, is second on the team in scoring at 9.5 ppg and is tied for the team lead averaging 6.3 rebounds per game despite standing just 5-11. Senior Nate Lufkin provides the inside post presence for the Crusaders. The 6-11 center, averages 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
The Series
This is the first meeting between the two schools. Minnesota does hold a 4-1 advantage over Patriot League schools, but has not face a team from the Patriot League since 1981 when it defeated Army.
What's Next
Minnesota plays its only road game in the month of December on Wednesday at Nebraska. The game will begin at 8 p.m., and be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
