Watching the Gophers, it's clear this team has significantly improved on defense since last year.
In three games, a Minnesota opponent has managed to make 30 percent of its shots in a given half just once. For the most part, the Gophers have been shutting the opposing offense down:
Against American: 26.1 percent in the first half; 20 percent in the second
Against Toledo: 22.2 in the first; 44 in the second
Against Tennessee State: 29.6 in the first; 18.8 in the second
It seems like the Gophers have gotten better across the board, and that intensity has shown. But Coach Tubby Smith said Thursday that he believes the biggest improvement he's seen with Minnesota's defense is in contesting shots.
"I think we're really doing a better job of not giving anyone an open shot and when they do get it, we're really flying at them and challenging their shots," he said.
The team's effectiveness at doing so will be tested tonight against Richmond, by far the Gophers' toughest opponent to date and a team that has been very efficient from three-point range.
The Spiders have hit 30 three pointers so far (compared with the Gophers 15), and have made 41 percent of the shots they've taken. Richmond has three players on the roster with five or more: Darien Brothers (8; also making 59 percent of his shots from the field), Kendall Anthony (7) and Wayne Sparrow (5).
Whether or not the Gophers can move to 4-0 will have a great deal to do with their ability to stop the three.
