Gophers v. Butler preview

Anaheim, Calif. - Both the No. 22 Gophers and No. 12 Bulldogs have a lot to prove tonight on a national stage.

No. 22 Minnesota (3-0)

Why they'll win

Minnesota should have an edge in athleticism in this matchup. Rodney Williams, Damian Johnson, Paul Carter, Al Nolen and Ralph Sampson III might not be the biggest names at the 76 Classic, but they represent Minnesota's vast defensive potential.

The Gophers have forced 72 turnovers in three games. They're averaging 9.3 blocks and 14.3 steals per game, all attributes of their length and the athleticism that comes with it.

If the Gophers can pressure a Butler team that's very careful with the basketball, they'll have a chance to run early. And the Gophers have to run tonight. They're at their best as an up-and-down team, not a half-court, one-shot squad.

LSU, a very athletic team last year, stormed out to a 13-point lead over Butler in the first half of a 75-71 win in the first round of the NCAA tournament in March.

Why they'll lose

Against Utah Valley last week, the Gophers led 32-24 at the half and that's only because of a late run.

Minnesota's notorious for slow starts, mostly because it's a very streaky jump-shooting team.

Against the various midmajors the Gophers have hosted so far this season, they've been able to outplay their opponents in spite of that deficiency. That won't happen, can't happen against a team like Butler.

The Bulldogs rarely turn the ball over, shoot well from the three-point line and make teams pay for their mistakes. Minnesota makes a lot of them when it's not focused.

Butler (3-0)

Why they'll win

There's an entire section of NBA scouts here at the 76 Classic. A lot of them will have their eyes on Butler's 6-10 forward Gordon Hayward, a sophomore with pro-level skills. He might be the best player in this tournament (West Virginia's Devin Ebanks hasn't played this season due to personal issues).

That's a great starting point. Add in another former Horizon League POY (Matt Howard) and every key player from last year's NCAA tournament team and it's safe to call Butler a favorite to win the entire 76 Classic.

As a team, Butler's one of the best in the nation. Plus, the Bulldogs have been playing as a unit since last season.

Why they'll lose

The Bulldogs didn't exactly overwhelm Evansville. And Northwestern gave them a fight in the first half, even without Kevin Coble.

A lot of times, the Bulldogs look like a good, not great squad.

Minnesota will represent a big step up in competition, compared to what they've faced so far this season.

Damian Johnson and Rodney Williams have the length, defensive prowess and speed to give Hayward fits. Matt Howard's been turnover-prone this season. Davidson outrebounded them. Evansville outscored them in the paint (28-17).

Prediction:

Man, this feels like Louisville.

There's no on here. Neutral court. The Gophers are facing a team that's coming off back-to-back road games.

Butler's supposed to win. Minnesota's faults have outweighed Butler's in many ways this season.

But with Lawrence Westbrook back in the lineup, I expect the Gophers to come out strong.