With the season hanging by a thread, the Gophers have an important game against Indiana tomorrow, and they could be significantly shorthanded at one position.

Point guard Julian Welch is dealing with a minor hip pointer injury, and backup floor general Maverick Ahanmisi has a turned ankle, coach Tubby Smiith said.

Neither practiced today and Ahanmisi has not practiced since before the Michigan State game, but Welch said he expected to play on it regardless, and he is expected to start.

"I'm going to play through it," Welch said. "I've had aches and bruises here and there, so I'll be fine when I get out there."

But even if Welch is in his regular role, with his potential limitations and Ahamisi likely out, it will place a greater reliance on freshman Andre Hollins from that spot.

"It puts a little more responsibility on the other players around [Welch], to do more, to do a better job," Smith said.