Gophers at a glance: The Big Ten did the Gophers no favors, sending them on the road for a pair of tough games at Illinois and Michigan to start conference play. Minnesota has not played a true road game all season. In the absence of Trevor Mbakwe, the Gophers have relied on depth and improved perimeter play. Four starters average between eight and 10 points per game. The fifth, Maverick Ahanmisi, is a recent addition to the lineup who has impressed coach Tubby Smith with his poise and attitude.
Illinois at a glance: The Illini started 10-0 before dropping two of their final three nonconference games, against UNLV and Missouri. A four-point victory over Cornell was wedged between those losses, so Illinois has questions to answer heading into Big Ten play. Still, Illinois boasts plenty of talent -- including big man Meyers Leonard, who at 7-1 is averaging 13.4 points per game and has 29 rebounds in his past two games combined.
MICHAEL RAND
