Men’s basketball team gains momentum in the second half of exhibition match.

The men’s basketball team of the Gophers secured a 90-65 victory in their initial exhibition game of the season against Bemidji State University (BSU) from Division II on Saturday.

The Gophers began to improve in the second half, reducing turnovers and showing better teamwork on offense and defense. They finished the game with seven consecutive baskets.

The team was leading by just one point against BSU when they entered the second half because there were numerous defensive breakdowns in the first half until about three minutes remaining.

At the start of the second half, the defensive pressure increased, and the Gophers maintained a nine-point lead with just over 15 minutes left.

Senior Brennan Rigsby shined in the second half, ending the game with 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Rigsby mentioned that he believes they established a rhythm, especially on defense. “We began connecting stops, which gave us the momentum to kickstart our transition game.”

Rigsby not only excelled in his performance, but also added a touch of style to the team right from the start. The stylishness influenced senior Mike Mitchell Jr., who executed a no-look pass to redshirt sophomore Kadyn Betts for a quick slam dunk.

Even though it was just a friendly match, the Gophers’ front-court players were still showing hustle by diving for loose balls on the floor.

Senior Parker Fox continued his strong performance from last year, displaying his determination by diving for loose balls, sprinting up and down the court, and fighting for rebounds against defenders. He ended the game scoring 14 points and grabbing three rebounds, making all of his shots from the field.

Junior Frank Mitchell and senior Trey Edmonds were both active when defending against passes. Both players recorded a steal near the half-court line and dribbled towards the opposite basket. Mitchell successfully made a dunk after stealing the ball.

Head coach Ben Johnson’s focus was on establishing rotations and obtaining game footage against a different team.

Johnson stated that he aimed to give guys playing time whenever he could. I believed that, in general, we would have many valuable recordings to review and improve from.

Johnson began the game with Mitchell Jr., Rigsby, Dawson Garcia, Betts, and Mitchell, who are all seniors.

Mitchell Jr. expressed gratitude that the Gophers faced off against a different team for the first time in months.

Johnson stated that seniors Lu’Cye Patterson, Femi Odukale, and Tyler Cochran were all sidelined due to injuries. He mentioned that Patterson and Odukale should be ready to play in the season opener on Nov. 6.

Due to the fact that it was an exhibition match, there is a possibility of significant changes in the starting lineup and rotations by the team’s first game against Oral Roberts University.

Mitchell Jr. previously stated that both he and Patterson would be assuming the responsibilities of the point guard position during the summer. Mitchell Jr. ended Saturday’s match against BSU with a total of 19 points and eight assists.

In Patterson’s absence, Mitchell Jr. maintained possession of the ball until freshman Isaac Asuma came in as a substitute.

During the Gophers’ internal media day on Oct. 18, Garcia mentioned that having Edmonds and Mitchell on the team helps him as a big man in the paint.

Garcia stated that Frank and Trey excel in rebounding on both offense and defense. “They do a great job at keeping the paint safe.”

Mitchell Jr. stated that the team required the initial 20 minutes to onercome their nervousness.

“Garcia said that Frank and Trey are dominant on both offense and defense when it comes to rebounding.” “They do an excellent job at safeguarding the paint.”

Mitchell Jr. stated that it took the team 20 minutes to settle their nerves.

The Gophers will play another exhibition game against Hamline on Oct. 29 before they start their season against Oral Roberts University on Nov. 6.