November 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers coach Ben Johnson reacts during the second half against the Yale Bulldogs at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Minnesota coach Ben Johnson believes his team is on the right track to success.
Would Johnson and the Golden Gophers prefer cleaner wins early in the season against non-conference opponents?
Of course.
But according to the coach, the early clash is all part of the new roster coming together.
“The hardest part is we all want it now,” Johnson said. “But it’s just a work in progress. We just need to get the game reps to make sure the guys are comfortable.”
Minnesota (3-1) next plays when it hosts Cleveland State (3-2) in Minneapolis on Tuesday evening. The Golden Gophers will look for back-to-back wins after a 59-56 victory over visiting Yale on Saturday.
Cleveland State is aiming for its third straight win. The Vikings beat Eastern Michigan 71-63 in their most recent game Saturday, following a 75-67 win in Valparaiso on Nov. 12.
Tevin Smith led Cleveland State with 24 points and seven rebounds against Eastern Michigan. He shot 7 of 13 from the field, 2 of 5 on 3-pointers and 8 of 11 from the free throw line.
Smith is averaging 11.8 points on 45.7% shooting this season. Dylan Arnett leads the team averaging 13 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting 68.2% from the field.
Cleveland State has won 20 or more games in each of the last three seasons. They have competed in the College Basketball Invitational Tournament in each of the past two seasons.
“Our players, who have played so far, are now looking forward to playing in the postseason,” Vikings coach Daniyal Robinson said. “They know what it feels like. It helps when new people come in and they see the standards set.”
Minnesota is led by Dawson Garcia, who is averaging 25.5 points and 7.3 rebounds through the first four games of the season. Lu’Cye Patterson tops the scoring list with 8.5 points per game, while Brennan Rigsby is third with 7.5 points per game.
Golden Gophers guard Mike Mitchell Jr. has missed his second straight game with an ankle injury. His condition was unclear Tuesday night.
–Field level media
