University of Minnesota Athletics
Fast Break: Omaha
11/27/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Recap | Quotes | Photo Gallery
IT'S NOT HOW YOU START, BUT HOW YOU FINISH
Minnesota opened the game by making just one of its first seven field goal attempts, as it fell behind, 13-5, over the first 4:30. But the Gophers made 13-of-26 (.500) field goals over the final 15:30, outscoring the Mavericks, 36-29, to head to the half facing a one-point deficit at 42-41. For the game, Minnesota wound up 32-of-65 (.492) field goals, including 11-of-20 (.550) from three-point range.
KONATE'S FIRST DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Bakary Konate averaged 2.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game last season, and he opened this season with two points and two boards in the win against UMKC on Nov. 13. But, since the opener, Konate's numbers have been trending upwards, and he finished this afternoon's game with career-highs of 14 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double. In addition to his points and rebounds, Konate added a career-high three blocked shots and a pair of assists. Over the past five games, Konate is averaging 7.8 points and 4.6 rebounds, making 15-of-24 (.625) field goals.
DOUBLE-DIGITS
In addition to Konate's double-figure scoring output, the Gophers had four other players reach double-digits for points scored. Joey King led the team with 18 points, while Carlos Morris had 17, Nate Mason finished with 16, and Jordan Murphy tied Konate's total of 14 points. Minnesota's last game with five players in double-figures was its 96-90 overtime win at Michigan State on Feb. 26, 2015.
HOME SWEET HOME
Minnesota extended its streak of consecutive home wins against non-conference opponents to 46 games, a streak which ranks second in the nation, trailing only Duke. The Gophers, who have also won 18 straight November home games, have not lost to a non-conference team at Williams Arena since an 87-79 setback to Virginia on Nov. 29, 2010.
HOT SHOOTING
Minnesota's starting five combined to make 26-of-46 (.565) field goals, including 10-of-17 (.588) three-pointers versus Omaha. Joey King finished the game a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, while Carlos Morris was 3-of-6. For the season, King has made 20-of-36 (.556) treys, including three games with four or more three-pointers in a game.
