It seems so early for a must-win situation. But that's what the Gophers face tonight.

A loss would mean Tubby Smith's second three-game losing streak at Minnesota.

It could mean a 10-win Big Ten season, maybe, gets the Gophers into the NCAA tournament.

It would mean that upcoming opponents Morgan St. and St. Joe's would face a Gophers team lacking a lot of confidence.

I also think the Gophers have to beat Miami for their psyche.

It's hard to go through the kind of emotional rollercoaster they've endured, starting with Thursday's win over Butler, which was followed by back-to-back losses.

The good thing is that Miami is untested. The Hurricanes haven't faced tough competition this year. The Gophers have played three ranked opponents already.

Still, there's a lot of talent on that Hurricanes roster.

And I think they'll give the Gophers fits.

Prediction: Minnesota 69, Miami 74