1 p.m. vs. Harvard • BTN, 1130-AM, 103.5-FM

Harvard pairs smarts with talent

Preview: The Gophers (11-3) look to close nonconference play with a four-game winning streak. The sky seemed to be falling after three losses in five games earlier this month, but Richard Pitino's team regrouped behind improved defense and better play off the bench in victories over Drake, Oral Roberts and Florida Atlantic. Harvard (5-7) went through a rough stretch, losing six of seven games, but four of those losses were by single digits, including 79-70 at then-No. 7 Kentucky on Dec. 2. The Crimson has talent (four top-100 recruits on the roster) but ranks last among eight Ivy League schools in field-goal (40.7) and three-point percentage (29.2) this season.

Players to watch: Gophers freshman G Jamir Harris scored for the first time in seven games Saturday with nine points on 3-for-5 shooting from three-point range against Florida Atlantic. Harris, a New Jersey native, was a high school teammate of Harvard sophomore G Bryce Aiken two years ago. Aiken leads the Crimson in scoring (17.6), assists (3.3) and minutes per game (33.2). He had a career-best 30 points Nov. 12 in a victory over Massachusetts, but he has missed the past two games because of a knee injury.

Numbers: Harvard coach Tommy Amaker, who coached at Michigan for six seasons, is 8-6 all-time vs. the Gophers.

MARCUS FULLER