The Matchup: Tennessee Tech is expected to finish at the bottom of the Ohio Valley Conference, after losing 6-9 standout Daniel Northern, who put up 12.6 ppg and 8.8 rpg for the Golden Eagles last year. But they return four starters from last season's team, including 6-6 F Kevin Murphy, a potential go-to guy this season, and Frank Davis (10.0 ppg). The Gophers bring back nine of their top scorers from a team that made it to the NCAA tournament a year ago. Damian Johnson and Lawrence Westbrook are two of the Big Ten's top players. Even with three players sidelined indefinitely, this is still Tubby Smith's best Gophers team.
The History: The Gophers have a 1-0 record against the Golden Eagles. That win came during the 1986-87 season. Willie Burton scored 16 points for the Gophers and Kelvin Smith put up 24.
The Prediction: This should be an easy one for the Gophers. Minnesota 91, Tenn. Tech 63
