u women's gameday

2 P.M. at WISCONSIN • BTN PLUS (1500-AM)

Preview: The Gophers (13-1, 2-0) are one of only four remaining teams unbeaten in Big Ten play. Coach Marlene Stollings vows to keep the program moving forward. A loss to the Badgers (5-7, 1-1), would be a step backward.

Players to watch: Sophomore center Amanda Zahui B. has become more than just a force in the middle. She owns the paint. In the past seven games, the 6-5 Zahui is averaging 20.9 points, 14 rebounds and 4.9 blocked shots per game. Rachel Banham's former Lakeville North High School teammate Cassie Rochel will look to slow her down. Junior guard Nicole Bauman is the Badgers' leading scorer at 12.9 points ppg. She is their best three-point shooter.

Numbers: Minnesota has won five consecutive in the border rivalry, the closest game being five points. A win Sunday would even the all-time series 35-35.

Quote: "We challenge Amanda all the time. I know she probably has moments where she gets frustrated, but credit to her, she pulls through in those moments. The maturity piece of her is her ability to respond, and I think she's really growing in that area." — Stollings

RON HAGGSTROM