Gophers show no rust in smooth victory over Seattle

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

And for a 9-2 Gophers team — not pausing long enough to shoulder any such burdens — the turns of the wheel seem to be reaching a new high just as the Big Ten season approaches.

One day after Minnesota announced its roster had grown by two, the Gophers showed no hint of rust from the eight-day layoff from games, putting together what coach Richard Pitino called their best overall performance of the year as they ran past Seattle 92-57 on Friday night at Williams Arena.

The Gophers' much-improved pressuring defense got them going in the first, snatching up 12 steals before the break, and their offense continued to cruise late.

After a lot of rim-clanking from beyond the arc in the first half, the Gophers got hot from three-point range in the second half when Andre Hollins (15 points on three three-pointers, all of them in the second half) came alive offensively and led the way.

Carlos Morris posted a new career scoring high with 19 points, as did freshman Bakary Konate in points (9) and rebounds (8). DeAndre Mathieu, meanwhile, earned a new career high in steals with six to go along with nine assists and one turnover and freshman Nate Mason (15 points) matched the steal total.

"I think our guys, individually, are getting a lot better," Pitino said. "I think you see it Carlos, I think you see it with Bakary, I think you see it with Nate, DeAndre. I think top to bottom, they're getting better. I'm excited about the direction of this team."

The Gophers, who led 43-21 at halftime, shot nine of 25 three-pointers overall (36 percent), 55 percent from the field, compiled 13 steals, and turned 21 Seattle miscues in to 27 points while holding the Redhawks shot just 36.7 percent from the field.

"Not knocking any of these guys, but it's time for some better competition," Morris said.

Things were going so well that even new 6-3 walk-on guard Mike Lukashewich — who joined the team a day earlier — got a minute of action in the first half, blocking a three-pointer almost instantly and then returning in the second for another short stint. Six-9 international freshman big Gaston Diedhiou, who was also eligible for his first game after his new English proficiency test score was approved by admissions, didn't get the nod, however. After getting the OK Thursday afternoon, Diedhiou hadn't yet practiced.

"I'm not real tough but I need a guy to practice first before I'm going to play him," Pitino said. "I know everybody is wondering why I didn't play Gas — you've got to practice like once before I play you in a game. Maybe I'm a stickler. You've got to know one play. Just one."

The Gophers have dealt with three losses already this year in Josh Martin (transfer), Daquein McNeil (arrest) and Zach Lofton (dismissed), but haven't seemed to let it affect their play. With Minnesota looking ahead to two more warmups — vs. Furman and UNC- Wilmington — the Gophers are playing their best basketball of the year. Now, there are two more fresh faces to help in practice and provide emergency depth.