Turnaround continues as Gophers roll in Vegas

Nicholls State could do little as Minnesota's offense and defense helped settle the issue early in its UNLV tournament opener.

By MYRON P. MEDCALF, Star Tribune

Last update: December 29, 2007 - 1:11 PM

LAS VEGAS -- With a new coach who has been a proven winner for nearly two decades, the Gophers men's basketball team gained a confident attitude, a much-needed upgrade from last season when morale was low as it finished 9-22.

The on-court evolution resonated with the Gophers on Friday, when Minnesota matched last season's victory total in just 10 games, after defeating Nicholls State 77-32 as part of the Duel in the Desert at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

They also set a few high marks in the process.

Senior guard Lawrence McKenzie said his teammates recognize the turnaround from 2006-07.

But he added that the team doesn't want to get overconfident.

"We can't be satisfied with nine wins, but it definitely feels good when you know ... this is how many games we won last year," said McKenzie, who finished the game with 13 points and five rebounds. "So it's definitely a big accomplishment in my eyes. I talked to the guys, and everybody is feeling really good about this."

A year ago, Minnesota started its season winning four out of 10 games. Enter Tubby Smith and a swarming defense that has frustrated teams around the country. Now, Minnesota is on the national radar and poised to make a run at an NCAA tournament appearance, if the Gophers achieve similar success during conference play.

The Gophers' victory against Nicholls State was consistent with their successes earlier this season. Smith has urged the Gophers to apply defensive pressure and take the best shots every game.

They had their most complete game of the season - in front of fewer than 1,000 fans -- allowing the program's fewest points since 1951 -- 32 -- and setting a record for the most lopsided victory away from Williams Arena with a 45-point margin.

The Gophers also shot 54 percent from the field, forced 30 turnovers and held the Colonels to a 15-point first half.

Nicholls State, a team that played No. 1 North Carolina tough in an 88-78 loss Dec. 19, tried to force shots early to counter the Gophers' defensive pressure. But the Colonels shot only 5-for-24 in the half and also had no answers for the Gophers' size and strength advantage, which led to a double-digit rebounding margin, 39-26.

Senior forward Dan Coleman echoed McKenzie's feelings about staying grounded while going forward.

"You gotta be humble because we've been on the other side of this game many times last year," he said. "So, take it with stride, hopefully handle success well and build on it."

Smith said he hasn't put much emphasis on what happened last season.

"I'm coming in with a whole new slate, believing in each one of them that they can do it," he said.

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