(Image via the Star Tribune)
Tubby Smith has been pilloried this year. Despite wrecking the competition in the non conference schedule, and playing nearly .500 ball in the best conference of the league, fans wanted more.
Could the Gophers get up for a game against a ranked team? Could they score more than 60 points in a Big Ten game? Could they win a game in February?
Yes.
Had the Gophers given up on the season? Had Tubby completely lost this team? Were Gophers’ fans completely checked of the season?
No.
Now, the question is if this will be able to carry forward. They have three eminently winnable games to finish the regular season. Then they have the Big Ten Tournament. By the time the Big Ten Tournament arrives, I suspect they will have a bit of momentum, and on a neutral court, I don’t doubt they could win two games. And then, of course, there is the Big Dance, which I would guess would lead to a 6 or 7 seed for the Gophers, and another win or two.
Now the real question. Will this be enough for Gophers boosters? Time will only tell.
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