University of Minnesota Athletics
Fast Break: Chicago State
12/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
SERIES, ETC.
Minnesota snapped a three-game losing streak with the 70-52 win versus Chicago State. The Gophers now hold a 3-0 edge in the all-time series with the Cougars, and improved to 7-0 all-time against current members of the Western Athletic Conference.
CLOSING THE HALF ON A HIGH NOTE
Minnesota trailed by seven points, 22-15, with 7:44 remaining in the first half, but the Gophers tightened up the defense to close the half on a 17-2 run and take a 32-24 lead into the locker room. Over the final 7:44, Chicago State was limited to 1-of-11 field goals and committed three turnovers. Jordan Murphy had eight points during that stretch, finishing the opening 20 minutes with nine points and seven rebounds.
MURPHY CONTINUES TO LAY DOWN THE LAW
Jordan Murphy recorded his fourth point-rebound double-double over the past five games, finishing with 12 points and a career-high 18 rebounds (seven on the offensive end). It's a feat that has not been accomplished by a Minnesota freshman since Kris Humphries during the 2003-04 season, and his rebounding total was the most for a Minnesota player since Trevor Mbakwe grabbed 18 against North Dakota State on Dec. 11, 2012. Over his past six games, Murphy has had five double-figure scoring games and four double-digit rebounding efforts, averaging 14.3 points and 11.5 boards per contest.
MORRIS TIES FOR SCORING HONORS
Carlos Morris reached double-figures for the first time in his past five games, tying for team-high scoring honors with 14 points. Morris scored the first eight points of the game for the Gophers, as he connected on his first two three-pointers, and finished the game 4-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-4 from behind the arc. He added four rebounds, giving him 13 boards in the past two games.
BUGGS SOLID OFF BENCH
Charles Buggs came off the bench to turn in a solid game, making 5-of-8 field goals (2-of-4 three-pointers) to tie for team-high honors with 14 points in just 18 minutes. Buggs also grabbed six rebounds, had a blocked shot and a steal for the Gophers.
MASON ON A ROLL
Nate Mason reached double-figures for the sixth consecutive game (ninth time this season), as he wound up with 10 points on 3-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Mason also dished out a game-high seven assists and added two steals and a pair of rebounds. Over those past six games, Mason is averaging 14.3 points and 5.2 assists.
CAREER FIRSTS
Stephon Sharp scored his first collegiate points in the game tonight, finishing with three points to go along with two assists. Redshirt junior Darin Haugh, a walk-on transfer from Bethany Lutheran, appeared in his first game for the Gophers.
