5:45 p.m. at Arkansas • SEC Network, 100.3-FM
A rare U visit to an SEC program
Preview: The No. 14 Gophers (8-2) have dropped two of their past three games, including a disappointing 78-68 loss Tuesday at Nebraska. Another road game Saturday — the Gophers' first visit to an SEC school since a loss at Georgia in December 2001 — gives Minnesota a chance for quick redemption. But the Gophers are coming off a game where they struggled both offensively in the post and defensively. Frontcourt starters Reggie Lynch and Jordan Murphy combined for 19 points and eight turnovers. The Cornhuskers shot 56 percent from the floor in the second half and won the rebounding battle 42-38. The Razorbacks (6-2) are looking to avenge last year's 85-71 loss at Williams Arena. Five senior starters give coach Mike Anderson arguably his most experienced team in his seven seasons. Last season's squad nearly upset eventual national champion North Carolina in the NCAA tournament's second round.
Players to watch: Gophers senior guard Nate Mason reached the 20-point mark for the third time in four games in the loss to the Cornhuskers. In his past four games, Mason is averaging 20.3 points and 4.5 assists and making 3.5 three-pointers per game. Senior guard Jaylen Barford is leading Arkansas with 19.6 points per game and 46.2 percent shooting from three-point range this season.
Numbers: Arkansas 6-11 freshman Daniel Gafford leads the team with 18 dunks this season. The 6-7 Murphy has a Gophers-best 19 dunks this year.
MARCUS FULLER