Time: 7 p.m. vs. Oral Roberts • Williams Arena • No TV (1130-AM, 103.5 FM)
Preview: The Gophers return after a 10-day break during finals. The last time out Minnesota was booed at halftime while trailing Drake, but escaped with a 68-67 victory. Richard Pitino said the Gophers used the break to work on defense, specifically against three-point shooting. Minnesota allowed opponents to shoot only 30.9 percent from long range last season, best in the Big Ten. But now the Gophers have nearly the worst three-point shooting defense in the conference (38.4). Oral Roberts lost 104-69 at Arkansas on Tuesday after committing 27 turnovers and giving up 14 three-pointers.
Players to watch: Gophers junior forward Jordan Murphy looks to extend his streak of double-doubles after starting the season with 12 in a row, which hadn't been done in Division I since Michael Beasley in 2007-08. Murphy leads the Big Ten in scoring (20.2) and the nation in rebounding (13.0). Oral Roberts sophomore forward Emmanuel Nzekwesi is averaging 21 points in his past three games.
Numbers: Reggie Lynch will be honored before Thursday's game for reaching 1,000 points in his career last week against Drake. Murphy is only 13 points shy of that mark.
