A couple of weeks ago, Ben Johnson saw his Gophers men’s basketball team play to its potential while dominating 15th-ranked Oregon right out of the gate at home.
The announced Williams Arena crowd of 11,062 that Saturday afternoon was the largest at home this season.
Gophers players and coaches had no doubt the energy and atmosphere in the building had something to do with how well they played, especially in wins against ranked opponents Michigan and Oregon last month.
“If we can create that Oregon environment that helps move the needle,” Johnson said. “If you don’t have a ticket now, go grab one.”
The Gophers (12-11, 4-8 Big Ten) suffered a disappointing loss against Washington in their last home game a week ago, but they’re hoping Saturday’s environment at the Barn can help them get another marquee win — this time against No. 23 Illinois.
“Having the student section like they are, creating the energy for the building and kind of being those tone setters has been huge,” Johnson said. “It truly does matter and makes a difference — the energy. And we’re going to need everything against a really good Illinois team.”
Johnson, who was hired as Gophers coach in 2021, begged fans from the beginning to help his basketball program establish a consistent homecourt advantage during his tenure.
Court storming in college basketball usually happens when underdogs upset top 10 teams at home, but Gophers fans seemed starved for a big win under Johnson, who started 0-16 vs. ranked opponents.
