Walker practicing but no timetable for return; Osenieks questionable for tomorrow with ankle sprain

The Gophers could be down one more and even thinner at the frontcourt against Iowa tomorrow.

By ajrayno

January 4, 2012 at 6:38PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Osenieks could be out with an ankle sprain against Iowa.
Osenieks could be out with an ankle sprain against Iowa. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

After two games and two losses on the Gophers 'first Big Ten road trips, the team returns home for a two-game stretch that suddenly has a new urgency. First up, Iowa – who just downed Wisconsin in their own house. "We've got our work cut out for us," coach Tubby Smith said. "When you come off of two losses, the way we lost the game – in double overtime and at Michigan – it kind of eats at you because there are so many little things and details that are magnified. If you did this a little differently, if you had done that a little differently, there might have been a different outcome. But we've had to put that behind us and move on." Just a few notes from today's media access:

  • Smith said Mo Walker practiced with the team and has done some contact drills, but would not say when the center might return.
    • Oto Osenieks did not practice today with yet another sprained ankle. His status is uncertain for tomorrow's game.
      • The Gophers have struggled with rebounding in the last three games and Smith is looking to get more of an effort from the perimeter guys – particularly Austin Hollins, who had none against Michigan and Julian Welch, who had just one.
        about the writer

        about the writer

        ajrayno