Just a couple of thoughts on the Gophers. In the loss at Nebraska, they were without their top player, Rick Rickert due to the flu. However, they still should have played better. Coach Monson has been having a hard time getting the team to play hard, inspired ball. They have been making dumb mistakes and getting out-hustled for loose balls. It all came to a head last Wednesday against Oral Roberts when Monson benched 3 starters - Rickert, Jerry Holman, and Ben Johnson. They eventually got into the game, but the Gophers only won 85-80 against a very average team. Monson said he was happy with the effort, and hoped it would carry over to the final tune-up game against Sacred Heart - probably the worst team in Division I - on Saturday. They started out strong and built a 17 point lead, however, when the lead shrunk down to 10 points in the second half, Monson again yanked all his players off the floor and replaced them with 5 bench players. The bench went on an 18-3 run to put the game away before the starters got back in the game.
What I am wondering is if the Gophers were just bored with the lack of competition the last 2 games? Will they be able to all of a sudden turn it on and play a high energy, intense game tonight because the Big 10 season is finally under way?
I am making a medium play on Illinois (somewhat of a homer play since I am an Illini fan). I just think Minnesota still has a few things to get worked out. They should be good come tournament time, however I think Illinois is playing a little better right now.
