Oral Roberts Golden Eagles vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 6th 2024

Preview and Prediction

After enduring four consecutive losing seasons, the Minnesota basketball team made a comeback last year with 19 victories and their best winning percentage since the 2018-2019 season. Now, the Golden Gophers will attempt to achieve back-to-back winning seasons, something they haven't accomplished in ten years. Their journey will commence with a home game against Oral Roberts on Wednesday night in Minneapolis.

Ben Johnson, the head coach of Minnesota, is entering his fourth season with the program. In his first year, the team went 13-17, followed by a 9-22 record in his second year. However, last season, he led the team to a 19-15 record, including a 9-11 record in Big Ten play. Despite losing in the second round of the NIT, the Golden Gophers have several key returning players, such as Dawson Garcia (averaging 17.6 points per game), Mike Mitchell Jr. (10.2), and Parker Fox (5.1).

According to Johnson, he will rely on the experience and leadership of his veteran players, as well as the contributions of new transfers and recruits. He is pleased with the maturity and growth of his team during the preseason.

"So far, that has been a point of emphasis for those older guys," Johnson said. "We are looking for signs of maturity and leadership from them. It's not just about their individual production, but also about how they can mentor and bring along their teammates. If we can establish a strong standard and expectation early on, it will help us get off to a good start and play well as a team."

The Golden Gophers did lose some key players from last season, including Cam Christie (who went to the NBA), Elijah Hawkins (who transferred to Texas Tech), and Pharrel Payne (who transferred to Texas A&M). However, they have added new transfers Lu'Cye Patterson (from Charlotte), Femi Odukale (from New Mexico State), Brennan Rigsby (from Oregon), and Frank Mitchell (from Canisius).

On the other hand, Oral Roberts is eager for a fresh start after a disappointing 12-19 record last season. This came after four consecutive winning seasons, including two appearances in the NCAA Tournament with standout player Max Abmas. Fifth-year guard Issac McBride, who averaged 19.8 points per game last season, is returning and has been named the Summit League's Preseason Player of the Year.

According to Oral Roberts coach Russell Springmann, his team has the right mindset heading into this season.

"I feel like this group has done a really good job connecting with each other and playing extremely unselfishly," Springmann said.

PREDICTION

Oral Roberts Golden Eagles

Minnesota Golden Gophers