Minnesota stresses scoring ahead of San Francisco showdown

Minnesota coach Niko Medved is not thrilled with the way his team has played as of late.

A change of scenery might help the group snap out of its funk.

Minnesota (4-1) will travel to its neighboring state to the west when it tips off against San Francisco (4-1) on a neutral court Saturday in Sioux Falls, S.D. It will mark the fourth time that the Golden Gophers have played in Sioux Falls and the first time since the 2019-20 campaign.

Medved hopes to see a more organized effort from his players, particularly in terms of scoring.

"We're struggling on offense right now," Medved said.

The Golden Gophers are coming off a 66-54 win on their home court against Chicago State, who entered the contest as a heavy underdog. The same theme emerged two games ago when Minnesota needed overtime to beat Green Bay, a team that won four games last season.

Cade Tyson helped Minnesota emerge with wins despite those close calls. Tyson leads the team with 23.4 points per game on 53.3% shooting, including 39.3% shooting from beyond the arc.

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson also has provided the Golden Gophers with a reliable presence in the starting lineup. He is averaging a symmetrical double-double with 12.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.

San Francisco's only loss came on the road against Memphis. The Dons have won three games in a row, including a 20-point victory in their most recent matchup at home against Northwestern State.

"For our development as a group, it was great to get some of the guys who haven't gotten extended minutes a chance to play," San Francisco coach Chris Gerlufsen said.

Ryan Beasley leads San Francisco with 14.0 points per game. Three teammates are averaging in double digits -- Mookie Cook (13.2 points per game), Tyrone Riley IV (10.6) and David Fuchs (10.2).

This is the teams' second meeting between the programs. Their first game took place in November 2023 when host San Francisco pulled away for a 76-58 win.

--Field Level Media