My T-minus 12hrs Gopher Preview

ESPN Preview

Here is what the ESPN Simulator has predicted

Game Projection Pts

Minnesota 57.9

Texas 66.1

Projected High-Scorer

Damion James (TX) 14.3 pts

My co-workers can attest that most of the time I sport the Scarlet of the Huskers. There is one passion that I’ve had since I called Territorial Hall home and that is Gopher Hoops. Distance, Gangel-gate, and the Dan Monson era has done a lot to mute that passion. There were wounds left over from that era that led me to drift away from ‘the Barn.’ Since Tubby has came on board I have made more of an effort to follow blogs out of the twin cities so I can keep in touch with Gopher hoops. I have been brought back into a lather from this appearance in the tournament. Does it mean that I’m a poor fan – probably. I really don’t care at this point. I’m wearing my Gopher shirt with pride today. Coincidentally I am in the heart of Longhorn country (~150 miles from Austin, TX).

Now on to the preview. This has probably been mish-mashed a thousand different ways. I see it pretty simply.

• Westbrook vs. Abrams – I see this as a head-to-head match up. I think Abrams holds an edge with tournament experience but how Tubby calls in help for a double team. I suspect he will use Abu-Shamala or someone from that 3 position to use there length for help. Tubby will have to keep Abrams guessing by moving the help around.
• Pittman vs. Sampson/Iverson two-headed monster – Tubby has to counter Pittman’s inside game with Iverson and Sampson there to annoy and foul. The perimeter will have to challenge passing lanes. If this becomes an inside game I think Texas holds the edge. Tubby will have do something to harass those passes to the interior.

This game will be a defensive battle. Both coaches preach a physical defensive brand of basketball. This is where I think the preview is correct. However I think it will be an ugly, scrum sort of game with a final score of….

MINNESOTA 63

TEXAS 59

I guess we will see roughly in 12 hours.