SDSU’s Wolters sits, Gophers down Jackrabbits 88-64
By Frank Bi
Dec 04, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; South Dakota State forward Jordan Dykstra (42) gets his shot blocked by Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Rodney Williams during the first half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Gophers downed South Dakota State at Williams Arena Tuesday 88-64 in a game that demonstrated Minnesota’s depth and highlighted their defense.
Minnesota forced 18 turnovers, converting many of those into fast break points. The three starting guards for the Gophers, Austin Hollins, Joe Coleman and Andre Hollins, combined for 9 steals.
The trio also contributed 54 points while only turning the ball over twice.
Andre Hollins led the way with 22 points — 20 of those in the first half. He finished the day 6-for-7 from three.
The only Minnesota player on SDSU’s roster sat out of tonight’s game with a hurt ankle after turning it in practice Monday. Nate Wolters from St. Cloud, is averaging nearly 21 points per game, leading his Jackrabbits to an early season first place atop the Summit League.
His team could not find quality shots against the stingy Gopher defense, shooting only 38 percent. SDSU actually shot better from beyond the arch, making 11 three-pointers on 42 percent shooting.
Jordan Dykstra led the Jackrabbits with 17 points and 6 rebounds, but his team was down by double digits through a majority of the game.
The 88 points scored by Minnesota is the most the team has scored all season. Yet, forward Rodney Williams, who had a streak of double-digit point games, only scored 2 points in the game. His only bucket came late in the second half on a thunderous dunk under the basket.
Williams contributed in other ways swatting the ball four times, launching it into the front row and causing Williams Arena to awe at his athleticism that has finally become a consistent part of the Gopher game plan.
In total, eleven Gophers scored in the game. The only player not to score a bucket was guard Maverick Ahanmisi.
The 9-1 Gophers will play USC on the road Saturday as Tubby Smith seeks win No. 500.