2 p.m. vs. Penn State • Williams Arena • BTN (1500-AM)
Another chance to avenge a defeat
Preview: The Gophers (21-7, 9-6 Big Ten) are vying for their seventh consecutive Big Ten victory, which excluding vacated games would tie the program's longest streak since the 1977-78 season. They secured Big Ten road victory No. 5 this year after an 89-75 upset Wednesday of No. 24 Maryland, a team that won at Minnesota in January. Another home victory Saturday would give the Gophers four in a row at Williams Arena. The Nittany Lions (14-14, 6-9) came back from a 14-point deficit in the first half in a 52-50 win Jan. 14 over the Gophers in State College, Pa., Their fourth consecutive victory in the series.
Players to watch: At 10.7 points per game, Gophers G Dupree McBrayer is one of the highest-scoring reserves in the Big Ten. He showed off his offensive talent with 14 of 18 points in the second half Wednesday against the Terrapins. The 6-foot-5 guard has scored 33 points combined in the past two games. Penn State freshman Lamar Stevens had only four points on 1-for-9 shooting previously against the Gophers, but he is averaging 18.2 points in his past six games, which includes three times scoring over 20 points.
Numbers: The Gophers scored 55 points in the second half Wednesday at Maryland. It was their most points in a half since scoring 55 points in the first half against NCAA Division II Franklin Pierce on Nov. 20, 2014.
MARCUS FULLER
