University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Looking to Continue February Momentum
2/27/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have clearly had a outstanding season with an overall record of 22-7 and a Big Ten record of 10-6, after dominating Penn State at Williams Arena, 81-71, this past Saturday afternoon.
The Maroon and Gold were coming off an 8-23 record from last season, ready to make a huge turnaround.
"I think that we've really turned the corner," said head coach Richard Pitino following Saturday afternoon's victory. "I thought it would happen this year. I kept telling people, not in a boastful way, I really thought we'd make a big turnaround and we did. Our newcomers deserve the credit. The returners who stuck it out and believed in what we're doing also do. It's fun to be a part of. This is what you dream of as a coach."
One of the newcomers that Pitino was referencing is redshirt junior Reggie Lynch, who broke a program single-season record for blocks, achieving 11 alone again Penn State. Lynch also was not whistled for any personal fouls this game, a feat considering he has fouled out of multiple games this season.
"The zero fouls is more impressive," laughed Lynch. "I know I can get 11 blocks. It was very good for me and the team stayed out of foul trouble. The team needs me on the floor."
Lynch walked off the court to the crowd chanting his name, a dream come true for the Edina native.
"That was something I did not expect at all," said the 6-10 guard. "When it happened, I was like, 'wow. This is awesome.' Even when the chant was going on, our team was doing really well. That's what I was focused on. The chant was awesome, but everyone on the court was connected and we were celebrating each other's success. I'm really happy everyone felt good throughout the course of the game."
Lynch was one point away from getting a double-double, but junior Nate Mason and sophomore Jordan Murphy were able to take care of that area for the team.
Mason was two assists away from a triple double, with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Murphy obtained his tenth double-double of the season, his nineteenth overall, with 16 points and 16 rebounds.
"I think we have a lot of momentum as a team right now," said Murphy. "I think we playing well and we're confident. We're paying attention to little things and small details. I think that seven-game win streak is going to go a long way for us."
The course for the Gophers is set, as they have two regular season games remaining and then hope to make a run through the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament.
"I think we could be pretty good," said Pitino. "I feel okay to say that we're in the NCAA Tournament. We would be the first team in the history of college basketball to win 22 games and not get in the tournament. I have so many people come up to me. 'Do you think you're in?' I'm like, 'Yeah, we're in.' I think we're clicking offensively, getting better... It's clear the guys are playing their best basketball. Now we can get a little rest and lock in."
The team is hopeful for the remainder of the season. "I think the sky's the limit with this team, honestly," said Murphy. "We're really deep and a really versatile team. We have a lot of good pieces on this team. I think the sky's the limit for us."
-by Caroline Sobek, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
