Gophers at a glance: The Gophers did not get the result they were looking for in their tournament opener, losing to fifth-ranked Duke 89-71, but there are still two more games to be played. The Gophers got double-digit performances from four players Thursday -- including a strong outing from Rodney Williams -- but their production fell way short against the efficient Blue Devils. The Gophers have made their mark with defense this season, but Duke shot 54.5 percent from the field. Trevor Mbakwe finished with 11 points and three rebounds off the bench.
Memphis at a glance: The Tigers (2-1) struggled early against Virginia Commonwealth -- a team the Gophers look similar to when both are playing the way they want -- in what became a 78-65 loss. Though Memphis is ranked, it hasn't showed dominance yet in any of its three games, including home victories over North Florida and Samford. However, Memphis does plenty of things well and gets out well in transition. Coach Josh Pastner has called this his most talented team, and one that has three players averaging double digits. Joe Jackson -- a former teammate of Andre Hollins at White Station High School in Memphis -- is averaging 11.0 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
AMELIA RAYNO