University of Minnesota Athletics
Fast Break: Missouri State
11/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Recap | Box Score | Photo Gallery
LIVING BY THE THREE
Minnesota opened up a double-digit lead in the first half, as Joey King connected on 5-of-5 three-pointers during the first 7:22. As a team, the Gophers led by as many as 16 points in the opening half, primarily due to 7-of-9 (.778) shooting from beyond the arc versus the Bears. Minnesota's proficiency from long-range continued in the second half, including some clutch treys in key situations, as Missouri State rallied from an 18-point deficit early in the half to cut it to a three-point margin late. Five Gophers combined to make six three-pointers in the second half, and Minnesota wound up making 13-of-23 (.565) treys in the win. King tied his career-high by making 6-of-7 three-pointers, while Nate Mason was 3-of-6.
KING OF THE BEARS
For the second time in four games this season, Joey King connected on six three-pointers in a game, as he led all players with 18 points in the win against Missouri State. King, who began his career at fellow Missouri Valley Conference member Drake University, has had two of his best career performances versus the Bears. As a freshman at Drake, he came off the bench for 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists versus Missouri State. During Friday's win, King made 6-of-8 field goals (6-of-7 treys), while adding four rebounds and three assists before he fouled out late in the game.
FRESHMAN BLOCK PARTY
The Gophers opened the season with seven blocked shots during the win against UMKC, which equaled last year's team-high total, and today had six blocks during the win over Missouri State. Surprisingly, Minnesota's blocks came from a pair of freshmen, neither of whom was in the starting lineup. Jordan Murphy and Kevin Dorsey each had three blocked shots for the Gophers.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Minnesota has two seniors on its roster -- Joey King and Carlos Morris -- and they were the lone Gophers to reach double-figures in the win against Missouri State. As mentioned above, King led all players by finishing with a game-high 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting from three-point range. Morris finished with 12 points to go with a team-high seven rebounds.
