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Gameday: Gophers men vs. Northwestern
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Preview: The Gophers (18-12, 8-10 Big Ten) are vulnerable. After two losses against Indiana and Illinois in which Minnesota played poorly down the stretch, it lacks the momentum a team needs to make a run in the conference tournament. But the team can be confident -- somewhat -- since Minnesota already has defeated Northwestern (8-21, 1-17) twice. If the Gophers can defeat Northwestern a third time, it sets up a Friday contest against Indiana. Northwestern's best chance to defeat the Gophers is to get hot from the three-point line.
Key players: Sophomore Kevin Coble missed the team's nonconference games while he was in Arizona helping his ailing mother. But he has continued to improve since returning in January. He's averaged 19.5 points per game against Minnesota, and he has to have to a big game in order for Northwestern to pull off an upset. For the Gophers, Blake Hoffarber is no longer a freshman in the eyes of the coaching staff. His solid shooting has been a pivotal asset for Minnesota. His hot hand, or lack thereof, will have a significant impact on Minnesota's postseason. He's averaging 8.8 points per contest and shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc.
Numbers: In Northwestern's two games against Minnesota, the Wildcats have been outrebounded by 15 boards per contest. ... The Gophers are 6-10 all-time in Big Ten tournament play. Coach Tubby Smith was 28-10 in tournament play before coming to Minnesota.
MYRON P. MEDCALF
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