Gophers at a glance: Minnesota (17-7, 5-6 Big Ten) has lost six of its past eight games heading into this critical matchup against the Badgers. In the Gophers' latest loss, 57-53 to Illinois, Andre Hollins and Joe Coleman combined to shoot 3-for-18 from the field. Rodney Williams (shoulder) did not play against Illinois, but he is expected to return against the Badgers. Coach Tubby Smith said Williams, Elliott Eliason and Coleman are all candidates to come off the bench in various lineup scenarios.
Wisconsin at a glance: The Badgers (17-7, 8-3) come into Williams Arena looking for the border battle sweep after defeating Minnesota 45-44 in Madison on Jan 26. They are ranked for the first time since Week 2, re-entering the AP poll Monday at No. 20. The Badgers have gone to overtime in their past two games, including a double-overtime victory over Iowa and beating No. 3 Michigan on Saturday. Ben Brust, who provided late-game heroics against Michigan, has 52 combined points in his past three games.
AMELIA RAYNO
