Minnesota: Sampson Sits Again in Gophers’ Loss to Purdue

Minnesota sophomore center Ralph Sampson III – yes, the son of that Ralph Sampson – missed his second straight game when he sat out in the Golden Gophers’ 79-60 loss at Purdue, according to the Associated Press.
Sampson, who averages 7.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, is recovering from an ankle injury that forced him to miss Minnesota’s win against Iowa last weekend. Sophomore Colton Iverson started both games in Sampson’s place, amassing only two points but 14 rebounds.
Without Sampson, coach Tubby Smith has played a smaller lineup and hastened the pace. Against Iowa, Minnesota forced 25 turnovers en route to an 86-74 win, an uncharacteristically high scoring affair for two Big Ten teams. One of the best teams in the nation, Purdue was better prepared for the Golden Gophers’ game plan, committing 17 turnovers while stifling Minnesota’s half-court offense. The Golden Gophers shot only 30.8 percent from the field in the loss.