The Gophers men’s basketball team wasn’t groggy for its Saturday morning tip-off against Alcorn State at Williams Arena.

Instead of an energy drink or coffee, the jolt was Minnesota’s stifling defense, which didn’t allow a bucket until 12:10 remained in the first half. The U jumped out to a 17-0 lead in a 95-50 blowout win, and the 45-point margin of victory was the highest for Minnesota since winning by 46 against Northern Michigan in 1976.

The Gophers had a similar sizzling start in their season opener against Gardner-Webb, not allowing a made field goal until 11:17 remained in the first half of that 87-60 win on Monday. Combined, that’s more than 16 total minutes without a basket given up to start the opening two games of head coach Niko Medved's tenure.

Medved said the 11 a.m. tipof

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