University of Minnesota Athletics
Defense Doesn't Rest for Gophers
12/12/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
When shots were not falling for the Gophers on Sunday afternoon against Northern Illinois, they had to step up defensively.
The Maroon and Gold were held to nine field goals in the first half but their stellar defense allowed them to build a six point lead. Minnesota limited Northern Illinois to 23 points on 36.7 percent shooting in the first frame and did not let up from there.
As the offense warmed up in the second half, the defense stayed the course. They allowed 34 points on 37.9 percent shooting.
Overall, Minnesota's defense held the Huskies to 57 points on 37.3 percent shooting in a 77-57 victory.
In the early stages of this season, the Gophers have established their identity as a solid defensive team. They have locked teams down in their first 11 games and held their opponents to 35.4 percent shooting. They are among the best in the country in that category, ranked sixth and leading the Big Ten Conference.
Coach Richard Pitino has been impressed with his team's defense performances thus far. He cited the team's commitment to getting stops as one reason they have found success this season.
"We have some really good individual defenders and we have some really good team defense," Pitino said. "They have been committed to locking into the scouting report."
From what he has seen through the first part of the season, Pitino is confident in his team's ability to make a stop when they need it going down the road.
"When you have to get a stop, we feel like we can get it," he said. "The competition is going to get more difficult. We know that. That's why we have to continue to get better."
- by Danny Kobren, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
