From The Barn

Minnesota vs. Northwestern: Now it is serious

Posted on 22. Feb, 2009 by JF in 2008-2009

Golden Gophers vs. Northwestern Wildcats

6:00 (CST) at Williams Arena (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Radio: WCCO 830 AM

TV: BTN

Tickets: Still a few obstructed seats left

Chatroom: I won’t be here, but if you are, stop by and discuss the game

The stakes are high and this preview will be brief. If the Gophers are to have a drama free selection Sunday, the Gophers need to take care of business at home the rest of the season, starting today with a win over Northwestern. If they are going to beat Northwestern they will have to solve the dreaded 1-3-1 zone and vexing Princeton offense.

When the Gophers lost to Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois earlier this season, that loss came with plenty of built in excuses. It was a trap game coming right after a miraculous comeback win at Wisconsin. It was the first time the team had seen either the Princeton offense or the 1-3-1 zone. The team hadn’t played a bad game yet, and Northwestern was better than advertised.

Tonight there can be no excuses. This is a must win in the most desperate sense. It is also winnable and at home. The season is on the line. If the Gophers don’t come ready to play, they won’ t have to worry much longer about playing meaningful games.

Keys for the Gophers

1. Get the ball in the middle.  Paul Carter had great success against Michigan’s 1-3-1 zone as something of high post point guard finding open shots for his teammates.

2. Attack the zone. Perimeter passing leads to losses.

3. Press and trap.  A faster game will keep the Gophers out of a half court offense and keep Northwestern from getting comfortable.

Keys for the Wildcats

1. Withstand the early run. The Gophers have to understand the importance of this game and should play with plenty of urgency. If Northwestern can keep it close early or even lead, the Gophers might just give up like they have several times already this season.

2. Keep the Gophers off the offensive glass. Minnesota’s best scorers are their interior players. These are also the same players who have been getting the fewest chances to score thanks to the Gopher guards inability to make interior passes. Northwestern will be at a huge advantage if the Gophers are unable to rely on second chance garbage.

3. Maintain composure. Northwestern would be on its way to the NCAA tournament if it avoided late game meltdowns. They will need to play a full forty minutes to win today.

Key Players for the Gophers

1. Devoe Joseph needs to keep up the solid play and the scoring.

2. Al Nolen needs to make quick decision and crisp passes.

3. Lawrence Westbrook needs to fearlessly attack the basket while staying in control.

Key Players for the Wildcats

1. Jeremy Nash has great length that wreaks havoc on the perimeter.

2. Kevin Coble’s fall away jumper never looks pretty but always seems to go in.

3. Craig Moore torched the Gophers for 22 points in Evanston, and should be more than ready for another big game after watching Michigan’s many wide open opportunities from behind the three point line.

Prediction: Call me a pessimist, but  I haven’t seen anything in weeks to convince me the Gophers can win another game this season. I hope I’m wrong, but Northwestern should win 61-56

Related posts:

1. Trap game alert: #17 Minnesota vs. Northwestern
2. Turnaround Time: Gophers 65 – Northwestern 61
3. Trapped: Northwestern 74 Minnesotaa 65
4. Game 20 Preview: Gophers vs. Northwestern Wildcats
5. Gophers look to rebound against Northwestern

Tags: Craig Moore, Devoe Joseph, Game Preview, Kevin Coble, Lawrence Westbrook, Northwestern Wildcats