Gophers use ironman lineup to beat Oregon 61-44 in Big Ten men’s basketball game

The Gophers were nearly flawless in the final 13 minutes as they pulled away for a 61-44 victory over Oregon on Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Eugene, Ore.

The victory was the second road victory of the season for the Gophers, who were playing without Jaylen Crocker-Johnson (foot injury).

The Gophers (12-14, 5-10 Big Ten) used just six players against the taller Ducks.

The game drew 5,204 to Matthew Knight Arena.

After leading by five at halftime, the Gophers trailed by one with 13:24 remaining after a 9-0 run by the Ducks (9-17, 2-13). But they outscored Oregon 32-14 over the final 13 minutes.

Gophers-Oregon box score

“What a gut-check for our team,” Gophers coach Niko Medved told KFAN radio after the game. “They made a run and we called a timeout. We just told them, ‘We’ve been here before’ and it’s time to dig in. Our response after the timeout was incredible.”

With the Gophers leading 29-23 with 15:38 remaining, Grove went to the bench after picking up his third personal foul. The Ducks scored seven straight points to take a 30-29 lead with 13:24 remaining.

Grove returned to the lineup and immediately sparked the Gophers to a 6-0 run — with a dunk, defensive rebound and steal which led to a three-pointer by Durkin — as the Gophers took a 36-30 lead with 11:51 remaining.

“He’s really developing,” Medved said. “He brings a lot of energy. Tonight he answered the bell.”

A dunk by Kai Shinholster gave the Gophers a 39-32 lead with 10:24 remaining. Shinholster had two points, three rebounds and two steals in 16 minutes off the bench.

After the Ducks pulled within 39-36, another three-pointer from Durkin made it 42-36 with 7:25 remaining.

Asuma scored 10 points in the first half as the Gophers opened a 27-22 lead at halftime.

Grove and Tyson each had eight rebounds in the game as the Gophers outrebounded the taller Ducks, 38-28. The Gophers were 9-of-29 from three-point range, while Oregon was just 2-for-20.

Nate Bittle, a 7-0 senior, had 15 points and seven rebounds to lead the home team.