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 or coffee, 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, and the 45-point margin of victory was the highest for Minnesota since winning by 46 against Northern Michigan in 1976.

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.

Medved said the 11 a.m. tipoff was a point of emphasis, challenging his team to be more ready to play. “Guys’ mentality was awesome,” he said. “We were really locked in defensively, we were hustling on the glass and all those things that you are looking for. Obviously, our defense led to some early offense and we just never looked back.”

On Saturday, the Gophers scored 27 points off 16 turnovers for Alcorn State, including 10 points off four turnovers during the 17-0 start.

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 analytics site KenPom. Gardner-Webb dropped to 0-2 with a 97-59 defeat to Clemson on Friday and are 323 in KenPom.

The level of competition will jump this week when Minnesota (2-0) plays at Missouri (2-0) on Wednesday.

Medved said the great starts have been based on what they need to do against any opponent, but also attention paid to specifics in the scouting reports.

“The players have been really locked in, whether it’s been practice or walk-throughs or film sessions,” Medved said. “They really take information and buy-in.”

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who joined Medved in a move from Colorado State, posted his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. On Monday, he had 13 points and 14 boards.

But Meved was most impressed by Crocker-Johnson’s defense on Alcorn State forward Nick Woodward, who was averaging 15 points per game but was held scoreless on 0-for-5 shooting.

“It was coming out and getting stops,” Crocker-Johnson said. “We emphasized it all week. … It was coming out with that mindset that they can’t get nothing easy out the gate.”

Point guard Chansey Willis, who was held scoreless in the opener, led the way in the first half with 11 points and four assists. He finished with 13 points.

Cade Tyson, who had a game-high 30 points against Gardner-Webb, finished with 21 points, including 10 of 11 shooting from the free-throw line.

BJ Omot and Grayson Grove missed Saturday’s game with injuries. Omot (leg) also missed the season opener on Monday. Meanwhile, Isaac Asuma is playing through a back injury and has been receiving treatment on it when on the bench.

With some walk-ons also unavailable, Minnesota had only nine players suited up, which kept some regulars on the court at the end of the blowout.

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