Three interrelated facets of Kyan Evans’ game were on display during the Gophers’ 72-52 exhibition win over Omaha on Thursday at The Barn.
The senior transfer from North Carolina snagged four steals, pushed the pace in transition and dished out seven assists in the comfortable tune-up victory. Two of those came on alley-oops during a 13-0 second-half run, one 7-foot-2 center Malick Kordel for a two-handed slam, the other to guard Kai Shinholster for an athletic one-handed flush.
Kordel led all scorers with 13 points, Bobby Durkin had 11 and Jaylen Crocker Johnson added 10. Evans chipped in eight points, with two made 3-pointers
The Gophers hosted a closed scrimmage against Drake last Saturday. While stats, details and scores weren’t released, one Drake-affiliated account on X claimed the results showed “Drake will be contending for the (Missouri Valley Conference) title this year.”
On Thursday, Minnesota had no trouble with Omaha, which was picked to finish fourth in the Summit League this season.
Senior guard Grant Stubblefield, a second team all-Summit League preseason selection, was limited to five points on 2 of 7 shooting.
The Gophers closed the first half with a 10-0 run to lead 36-16 at the break. Eight of nine players scored, with Durkin led the way with eight, including a pair of 3-pointers.
Minnesota’s starting lineup was Evans, Isaac Asuma, Durkin, Grayson Grove and Crocker-Johnson. The first players off the bench were Kordel, Shinholster and Nolan Groves at the under-16 timeout, followed by Malachi Palmer at the under-12.
Freshman Nolen Anderson played early the second half, while Grady Winters and Cedric Tomes came in during the final four minutes of the game.
Freshman center Chadrack Mpoyi was not dressed to play, neither was Cade Tyson, who is awaiting a decision in his federal eligibility court case.
The Gophers’ second and final exhibition game is Oct. 23 at Creighton in Omaha. The U’s season opener is Nov. 2 vs. North Dakota.
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