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Last update: March 13, 2008 - 9:37 PM

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8 P.M. VS. INDIANA • CONSECO FIELD HOUSE • BIG TEN NETWORK, 830-AM

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Preview: Minnesota (19-12, 8-10 Big Ten) faces Indiana (25-6, 14-4 Big Ten) tonight for the third time this season. In their first two matchups, the Gophers held on until late in the game, when the Hoosiers pulled away with solid free throw shooting and clutch plays down the stretch. With their postseason fate on the line, the Gophers face an Indiana team in front a virtual home crowd for the Hoosiers at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Minnesota has matched up well against Indiana, and the Hoosiers haven't exactly jelled under interim head coach Dan Dakich. In the end, however, the Gophers will have to play their best game of the year to pull off the upset.

Players to watch: D.J. White, the Big Ten's Player of the Year, has pulled his teammates through a tough stretch that began with former head coach Kelvin Sampson's resignation. He's averaging 17 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, although his off-the-court leadership has been worth even more to his team. For Minnesota, Dan Coleman has to have a big game. He's been inconsistent, but he has to raise his level of play against Indiana. He'll have a chance to showcase his skills --12.2 points per game on 48 percent shooting -- in front of numerous pro scouts.

Numbers: The Gophers averaged 15.9 assists per game compared to their opponents' 13 per game. Indiana made 76.8 percent of its free throws during the season, while its opponents made 63.6 percent.

MYRON P. MEDCALF

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