University of Minnesota Athletics
Fast Break: Clemson
11/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
GOPHERS IN B1G/ACC CHALLENGE
Minnesota's record in B1G/ACC Challenge games improved to 9-8. The Gophers, who are now 3-0 in the event under Richard Pitino, have won five-straight contests in the series versus the ACC. The 89 points scored by Minnesota this evening is the most by the Gophers in the 17-year history of the event.
RUNNIN' GOPHERS
Minnesota led just once in the first half, at 7-6, and the Gophers trailed by as many as 10 points late in the half. But two crucial second-half runs swung momentum Minnesota's way. Trailing by eight points (46-38) early in the second half, three-pointers by Joey King and Charles Buggs keyed a 10-0 run over the next 2:30, as the Gophers took a two-point lead. Then, after Clemson had regained a 55-50 advantage, Minnesota used a 14-4 run to retake a five-point lead, 64-59, and never trailed again. Buggs and Jordan Murphy each had five points during that stretch, while King had four.
MURPHY'S LAW
Jordan Murphy came off the bench to spark the Gophers in the first half, and wound up turning in the first 20-point game by a Minnesota freshman since Andre Hollins had five such performances during 2011-12. Murphy didn't enter the game until the 12:58 mark, but wound up making 5-of-6 first-half field goals, including a three-pointer, to lead the Gophers with 12 points at the break. He finished the contest with game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double. Murphy made 9-of-16 field goals, including his lone three-point attempt, and 5-of-7 free throws, while also adding two steals and a pair of blocked shots. It's Murphy's second straight double-figure game coming off the bench. He had 14 points and six rebounds versus Omaha.
HOME SWEET HOME
Minnesota extended its streak of consecutive home wins against non-conference opponents to 47 games, a streak which ranks second in the nation, trailing only Duke. The Gophers, who have also won 19 straight November home games, have not lost to a non-conference team at Williams Arena since an 87-79 setback to Virginia as part of the B1G/ACC Challenge on Nov. 29, 2010.
BUGGS HAS CAREER-BEST NIGHT
Charles Buggs came off the bench for the first time this season, and the move paid off, as he finished with a career-best 15 points in 35 minutes. Buggs made 5-of-9 field goals, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, while also pulling down four rebounds, dishing out two assists and coming up with a steal.
KING CONTINUES TO SHINE
Joey King continued his torrid shooting of late, as he made 6-of-8 field goals (2-of-3 three-pointers) to finish with 17 points. King has made 22-of-35 (.578) field goals over his past four games, including a remarkable 13-of-19 (.684) treys. The senior has finished in double-figures in all seven games for the Gophers this season, and he leads the team with an average of 17.1 points and 22-of-39 (.564) three-point field goals.
McBRAYER MAKES FIRST CAREER START
Dupree McBrayer made his first collegiate start for the Maroon and Gold, finishing with two points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal in 18 minutes. Kevin Dorsey came off the bench to contribute six points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal in 19 minutes.
MASON SOLID AT LINE
Nate Mason was one of four Minnesota players in double-figures, finishing with 17 points and a team-high eight assists, and almost half his scoring total came at the free throw line. Mason ended the night 8-of-10 at the charity stripe. After struggling at the free throw line during his freshman season, Mason has been solid there so far this year, making 25-of-32 (.781) attempts.
