Gophers at a glance: Minnesota heads to Florida State ranked in the Associated Press poll (No. 21) for the first time in two seasons after winning two of three games at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. After losing to No. 5 Duke, the Gophers rebounded to defeat No. 19 Memphis and then snuck past Stanford on Saturday on the final play of the game. Andre Hollins took Big Ten player of the week honors after a 41-point showing against Memphis and sinking the winning free throws against Stanford. Trevor Mbakwe had 19 points and 12 rebounds against the Cardinal and looked like the player he was before he tore his right ACL. The Gophers (6-1) have the opportunity to increase their national stock with a road victory against another quality opponent.
Florida State at a glance: The Seminoles (4-1) regrouped after an embarrassing 76-71 loss to South Alabama on Nov. 9, but they still haven't been dominating most of their less-talented opponents so far. Coach Leonard Hamilton is trying to figure out which roles and rotations best fit a squad that last season won the ACC tournament and made it to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, but lost six seniors from that roster. Starting guard Ian Miller suffered a bone bruise in his right foot last week and was held out against North Florida on Wednesday, but is expected to play against the Gophers. Senior guard Michael Snaer, left, is leading the Seminoles with 16 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
AMELIA RAYNO
