Minnesota's two-game week began with another frustrating finish, albeit in victory over Chicago and concluded with a de facto elimination game against Los Angeles. It was the 14th time that they've finished in a one score game, six of which gave them the chance to move above .500. They lost each of the six contests. Today's game was also the fifth time they won the turnover margin but still finished as the loser.
And as a cherry on top, Justin Jefferson had quotes after the game which are reminiscent of some made by a certain former receiver. Jefferson is an even more transcendent talent so he'll be in the colors for the foreseeable future but the thinly-veiled statements of dissatisfaction are sure to be noticed by the Wilfs. With two games left in the season changes seem inevitable.
NDSU was no exception to the reduced level of activity but the quality of the news remained high. First came the announcement of All-American status for RT Cordell Volson, LT Cody Mauch, WR Christian Watson & DE Brayden Thomas. Then, at mid-week came the first in-state showdown of the season.
The women were lead by Heaven Hamling with 17 points, 6 rebounds & 4 assists while Ryan Cobbins added 15 en route to a six point victory in Grand Forks. At the SHAC it was the Grant Nelson show as he scored a career-high 24 while contributing in every other statistical category. Boden Skunberg also finished the night with a career high 14 points off the bench. It may be the most meaningful of the regular season games for the North Dakota players but could be a sign of great things to come as the Bunnies come to town Thursday. In addition to the breakout performances Tyree Eady (18 pts, 7 reb) & Sam Griesel (14 pts, 8 reb) chipped in significantly to the 10 point victory.
Concordia had been set to finish the year with a flurry of 🏀 . A pair of games in Vegas this coming Tuesday/Thursday remain on track to happen for the men but the three women's games have already been cancelled.
A week that was ravaged by viral absences began with Karl-Anthony Towns being named the Western Conference Player of the Week. It was the fourth time in his career he's earned the honor and the first since October 2019.
The injury-depleted roster couldn't keep pace with Dallas or Utah, though the Thursday night game was a great effort. As they return to the court they will likely have another option in the front court as multiple outlets have reported that Greg Monroe will be signing a 10-day contract with the team. He'll be a back-end of the rotation option but could still be helpful while some of the fixtures remain unavailable. He may not be the last big man that the team brings in as the season unfolds but it's good that they're beginning the process now.
Reminder that scores are added daily, so check back often.
But now for the Tuesday highlights
West Fargo continued their dual march to the tournaments with a 21 point win by the girls over Davies while the Eagle boys bested WF. Jessica Walsvik added a points/rebounds double-double to the latest stuffed sheet by Miriley Simon & Chloe Pfau. Shanley's girls got their own big win over GF Central while Fargo South notched a victory over Valley City.
The Deacon boys also finished ahead of Central by more than 30. North & Sheyenne also had convincing victories against Wahpeton & Devils Lake. Both of Barnesville's teams ran Frazee off the court while Ada/Borup's boys had little trouble getting by Hillsboro and Hawley's girls cruised by Wadena. The big wins continued out of town on the ND side with Enderlin holding onto a 34 point lead over Sargent County as Joe Hurlburt went for 30 & 17. Kindred also put a hurt on Richland as five Vikings scored at least 8 points.
Success continued on the ice & mat as Davies won by a hat trick over West Fargo. The Green Machine didn't close the week with that as they were 63 points clear of Red River.
And even with the holiday break recruit news continued to come!