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, the jolt was Minnesota’s stifling defense, which didn’t allow a bucket until 12:10 left in the first half. The U jumped out to a 17-0 lead in a 95-50 blowout win.

The Gophers had a similar sizzling start in the 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.

Both beginnings have been impressive, but need to be put in context. Alcorn State fell to 0-3 and was ranked 328th out of 365 teams nationwide, according to analyti

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