SCORELESS TRIO

Rodney Williams, Joe Coleman and Austin Hollins were all scoreless for the Gophers in a 53-51 loss to Nebraska on Wednesday, continuing a stretch of sluggish offense from all three. Minnesota will clearly need more from the trio going forward. All three are expected to start Saturday at Purdue in the Big Ten regular-season finale. Here is a look at their season scoring averages as well as what has been ailing them lately:

• Williams (10.4 ppg): Williams has shuttled between small forward and power forward recently and seems to be drifting offensively. He benefits from wide-open games, and opponents have often dictated a slower pace against the Gophers.

• Coleman (8.8 ppg): When the Gophers get out in transition and play up-tempo, Coleman can be dangerous (his 29-point game at Illinois being a prime example). In the half-court offense, he is less effective. He didn't even attempt a shot in 17 minutes vs. Nebraska.

• Hollins (10.4 ppg): The junior is still doing many little things well, but he is mired in a dreadful shooting slump that has impacted his confidence. He is 4-for-36 from three-point range in his past eight games.