Five tidbits following the biggest Gophers win of the season.
The Opening Tip is a new feature to Gold in the Barn, with the goal being to share five nuggets -- mostly Gophers or Big Ten related but occasionally not -- every morning between 8 and 10. Dig it? Hate it? Want to see something specific in it? Send me feedback at amelia.rayno@startribune.com or tweet me @AmeliaRayno.
1. In case you missed it, my story from last night's Gophers win over Iowa. Plus, Pat Reusse's column on Austin Hollins' resurgence.
2. Coach Richard Pitino on the victory: "We are happy with where we are at. We were picked at the bottom of the league -- 10th, 11th, 12th ...
[Here he asked me where I picked them; I said 9th; he reminded me they are two better than that.]
"I didn't take this job and make the NCAA tournament our goal. I hope we make it, but if we don't I'm not looking at this as an unsuccessful season. I'm proud of what they've showed so far."
3. New bracketology from CBS' Jerry Palm. "Welcome back, Minnesota," he says. In his last four in. Plus Eye on CBB's Bubble watch.
4. Recruiting update: Gophers 2015 target Elijah Thomas scored 19 points, 10 rebounds and added three blocks for Lancaster in game vs. Whitehouse last night (via @D1circuit).
