gophers gameday

7 p.m. vs. Franklin Pierce • Williams Arena Pay-per-view TV: BTN Plus (1500-AM)

Gophers at a glance: If the Gophers didn't like the talk following a season-opening loss vs. Louisville in Puerto Rico, they certainly made a good effort at changing the conversation. A convincing 76-54 victory kick-started a three-game week and represented one of the best all-around performances the Gophers have had under coach Richard Pitino. Minnesota, which turned the ball over just 11 times (three times in the first half), displayed highly disruptive pressure, forcing 25 Western Kentucky miscues. Seniors DeAndre Mathieu and Andre Hollins both filled up the stat sheet, while Mo Walker led the team with 14 points down low. The team had 17 steals, most in the Pitino era. The only glaring weakness was on the boards, where Minnesota was outrebounded 42-41 despite WKU's lack of size. Minnesota collected just 35 rebounds vs. Louisville.

Franklin Pierce at a glance: The Ravens are a Division II team, but they've already given one of the Gophers' future D-I opponents some trouble. Franklin Pierce played its third game of the year against St. John's — whom Minnesota will face in the NIT Tipoff at Madison Square Garden next week — and managed a 50-43 lead at the half before ultimately falling 94-81. Forward Ryan Vilmont had 29 points on 10-for-16 shooting, while the Ravens shot 42.3 percent (11-for-26) from three-point range. This will be Franklin Pierce's fourth game in six days. The NIT Tipoff scheduled this game for Minnesota.

AMELIA RAYNO