5ive Questions: Minnesota vs. Western Kentucky

San Juan, Puerto Rico - I just ran into a Western Kentucky official in the press room.

Here's how the conversation went.

WKU guy: "Ya'll take it easy on us, OK?"

Me: "It might be the other way around."

WKU guy: (Mysterious laugh)

Yes. You should be afraid.

This untelevised affair Thursday will probably be played in front of a few hundred fans. And that's only if the North Carolina crowd stays for the game.

The Gophers have a chance to play No. 8 North Carolina Friday. But Western Kentucky won't be an easy matchup.

A few questions to consider for the Thursday matchup, which will not be televised but can be seen on ESPN3.com.

1. What's so dangerous about Western Kentucky?

Juan Pattillo, Steffphon Pettigrew and Sergio Kerusch are all 6-5 forwards (Pattillo is listed at 6-6). Pattillo is a great athlete who can get to the rim. Kerusch is more versatile. Pettigrew averaged 14.9 points per game and shot 49 percent from the field last season.

The Hilltoppers lost Kerusch to a broken foot in December. He missed 14 games. Before the injury, Western Kentucky beat a ranked Vanderbilt team. Now they're full strength and they get Pattillo, who missed last season after transferring.

2. Where can I watch this game?

You can watch the game on ESPN3.com. There are various ways to view ESPN's online sports channel. Here's some info for you.

From ESPN:

How do I get access to ESPN3?

ESPN3 is available nationwide, but you must subscribe to a participating high speed internet service provider.

Click here to find out more on how you can request access to ESPN3 or switch your service to a participating high speed internet service provider.

3. What have we learned about the Gophers in their first two games and what does it mean for the Western Kentucky matchup?

First, their new strengths. Ralph Sampson III has improved. Trevor Mbakwe's rebounding and cleanup work on offense have given the Gophers a boost inside. Al Nolen is same feisty defender he's always been. And Blake Hoffarber should be more comfortable on the perimeter because of the attention that his big men demand.

But some of the same weaknesses persist. They struggle against athletic wings who can penetrate. They're suspect from the free throw line. They will play down to their competition. Nothing against Winona State, Wofford and Siena, but the Gophers got too comfortable with leads and nearly blew those games because of complacency.

The Gophers can't sit on the ropes and wait to get punched. They have to dictate the pace of this game with tenacious defense and a relentless attack inside. If they get down in San Juan, they won't have a home crowd to help them get back in this game.

4. Who will start against the Hilltoppers?

The Gophers will go with Al Nolen, Blake Hoffarber, Rodney Williams, Trevor Mbakwe and Ralph Sampson III, according to a source close to the team.

Austin Hollins played well against Siena, but Williams only missed the start because of a team violation. Hollins' performance and Williams' benching should have sent a strong message to the sophomore.

Mbakwe can really solidify himself as the starting power forward on this team with a strong performance in the Puerto Rico Tipoff.

5. Why is this tournament so important?

Struggling in this tournament, their best opportunity to earn one or two quality nonconference wins, could put the Gophers in another frantic situation at the end of the season, especially considering how tough the Big Ten is this year.

Winning this tournament, and they're good enough to win it, coupled with a 10 or 11 wins in Big Ten play could lead to a top-four seed in the Big Dance.

Forget the water, beaches and good food. This trip is a big deal because of the implications on the court.