Is it good or bad to end on a nail-biter (with a mid-major team) – right before Big Ten play? If it hurts your confidence, it can be damaging. But if the Gophers see this as eye-opening about just how much better they need to be – well, that can be a good thing. We'll discuss that idea more before the Dec. 27 tipoff at Illinois, but for now, I'll leave you with a few notes from tonight:
- Maverick Ahanmisi started for Andre Hollins again tonight – but after the game Tubby Smith made it clear Hollins wasn't still hurting from his turned ankle and that Ahanmisi had just earned a new role. "He's fine," Smith said of Hollins. "But what am I going to do? I'm not taking Maverick out of the lineup."
- Ahanmisi had a career game, scoring 13 points and adding three assists and three rebounds.
- The Gophers – as they often have – got out to a slow start, but even more so than usual. The Bison led 14-2 seven minutes in.
- Both Rodney Williams and Ralph Sampson III had strong games contributed 14 points and eight rebounds and 15 points and six rebounds, respectively.
- The Gophers were way out-rebounded tonight – NDSU finished with 39 to the Gophers' 28.
- NDSU coach Saul Phillips said he'd like to bring the Gophers up to the Fargo dome one of these days to play. "I'd cook for them," he offered. Smith's response? "That's not going to be enough. Is he going to cook Bison meat or something?"
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
Cannabis in Minnesota
Minnesota is the 23rd state in the country to legalize recreational marijuana for adults.
Home & Garden
Even common birds like the bluebird are full of mysteries
Despite conveniently nesting in manmade nest boxes, there are still lots of areas to study for Eastern bluebirds.
ThreeSixty Journalism
ThreeSixty Journalism is leading the way in developing multicultural storytellers in the media arts industry. The program is a loudspeaker for underheard voices, where highly motivated high school students discover the power of voice and develop their own within ThreeSixty's immersive college success programming. Launched in 1971 as an Urban Journalism Workshop chapter, since 2001 the program has been part of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas.
Home & Garden
Osprey are the medium-sized raptors with the 'W' wings
Elegant fishing hawks becoming a familiar sight again in the metro area.
Variety
Summer Camp Guide: Find your best ones here
Kids can learn how to program robots, play chess, speak Chinese or dance hip-hop style, among other enrichment options.