Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.LINCOLN — It was a triumphant return to his home state Sunday for Minnesota center Elliott Eliason.
The 6-foot-11 redshirt freshman from Chadron, Neb., had a big hand in a 69-61 win against Nebraska. In 17 minutes, he scored six points, grabbed four rebounds and blocked a shot.
Eliason said he wasn't nervous about the game, but was concerned about whether Saturday's snowstorm would keep his family away from the Devaney Center. (It didn't.)
"They got to be here and watch, and it was an exciting game to watch," he said. "It was awesome. I couldn't ask for any more."
Eliason was directly involved in a sequence of plays midway through the second half that helped Minnesota gain control.
With the Gophers up 42-39, Eliason tracked down an offensive rebound and fed guard Andre Hollins, who nailed a 3-pointer. Then on defense, Eliason blocked a shot by Caleb Walker, and also secured the rebound.
Then back on offense, Eliason drew a foul and made one of two free throws to give Minnesota a 46-39 lead with 9:24 to go. Nebraska never got closer than six points again.
"I try to fill the gaps the best I can," Eliason said. "I've got to find my place on the team. I think that's what I've been doing with rebounding and blocking shots and making hard plays to the basket."
Eliason held a Nebraska scholarship offer from coach Doc Sadler for 16 months before deciding to commit to Minnesota. That left him unsure what type of greeting he might get at the Devaney Center, where he last played in the 2010 state high school tournament.
"I heard a few catcalls, but I actually thought it would be a little worse," he said. "It's fine. I understand."
Minnesota coach Tubby Smith said he wasn't worried about Eliason handling going home.
"Elliott is a pretty level-headed kid, very mature," Smith said. "He's his own worst enemy because he's always getting on himself, like an 'aw shucks' type guy.
"But he really played well today. I was happy for him, and that we were able to get him good quality minutes. He's been playing quality minutes for us. He did a solid job all the way around."
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