U men gameday: Gophers vs. Bowling Green

Last update: November 15, 2008 - 12:54 AM

Preview: The Gophers haven't faced Bowling Green since the 1980 NIT. The Falcons lost both times they played the Gophers. This season's Falcons hope to continue to improve a program that more than doubled its conference win total with a 7-9 record in the MAC last season. The Gophers -- facing their first Division I opponent of the season after two exhibition games against Division II teams and Friday night's game against D-II Concordia (St. Paul) -- are dealing with two key injuries. Junior forward Damian Johnson and senior center Jonathan Williams are both out for this weekend's NABC Classic.

Players to watch: Senior Brian Moten leads a Falcons team that finished with a 13-17 record a year ago. He averaged 9.2 points per game and scored 19 points in 43 minutes Friday night against Georgia State. ... Junior Lawrence Westbrook was one of Minnesota's most consistent players last season. He averaged 17 points per game during two exhibition games.

Numbers: Four players -- Paul Carter (11.5), Lawrence Westbrook (17), Al Nolen (13.5) and Devoe Joseph (11.5) -- averaged double figures during the exhibition season for the Gophers. Bowling Green was 12-2 when leading at halftime last season.

MYRON P. MEDCALF

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