1:15 p.m. vs. Maryland at Williams Arena • BTN, 1500-AM
Preview: The Gophers (15-6, 3-5 Big Ten) are trying to avoid their longest losing streak since dropping 14 in a row last season before winning their first conference game against then-No. 6 Maryland. Three losses during their current four-game slide were on the road, including Wednesday's 78-72 loss at Ohio State. The Gophers came close to their first victory over a ranked opponent this season in a 78-76 overtime home loss last Saturday to Wisconsin in front a sellout crowd. They can try again against the No. 22 Terrapins (18-2, 6-1), who were predicted to finish in the middle of the pack in the league, but they have won five in a row and are tied with Wisconsin in first place. Their lone loss was Jan. 1 against Nebraska.
Players to watch: Gophers junior G Nate Mason finally broke through with a 21-point performance against the Buckeyes. Mason had been on a five-game slump, and he is still shooting only 34.8 percent from the floor in Big Ten play. … Maryland junior Melo Trimble has been arguably the best lead guard in the league, averaging 17.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists this season.
Numbers: Trimble had just 10 points on 3-for-11 shooting with six turnovers against the Gophers in Maryland's 68-63 loss at Williams Arena last February.
marcus fuller
