The Gophers led the Wolverines in almost every statistical category, so how did they lose?
Well, there are two major reasons:
1- Rebounding. Once their strength, aggressiveness on the boards is a bit more of a challenge now, without Trevor Mbakwe, and the Gophers are seeing that in the Big Ten after getting dominated in that area for two consecutive games.
2- Making the little plays at the end. For the second straight game, the Gophers have had the game in their grip. For the second straight game, they couldn't convert the last-second chances that could have turned the tide.
Some other notes from today's 61-56 loss at Crisler Arena.
- With 12 seconds remaining, Rodney Williams got the best shot at tying the game on a three-pointer, and it bounced away.
- The Gophers had just 28 rebounds to the Wolverines' 36 today.
Otherwise, the Gophers led in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free throw percentage, assists, blocks and steals.
- The Gophers had six three-pointers in the second half to help bring them back within striking distance.
- Michigan freshman Trey Burke was absolutely sick and basically unguardable for the Gophers on the pick-and-roll. He finished with a season/career- high 27 points.
