Iowa State's head coach Fred Hoiberg directs his team during an NCAA college basketball game against South Carolina at Barclays Center on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015 in New York. South Carolina won 64-40. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Not a lot of good things are happening in local big-time sports right now (see below). When that happens, it creates an opportunity for a reshuffling of the deck — and one Minnesota team, in particular, has a major chance to capture some hearts and minds.

The Gophers women's basketball team is 14-1, 3-0 in the Big Ten, and overachieving since losing star Rachel Banham to a torn ACL.

They just jumped into the national rankings at No. 23 and have a home game Sunday against No. 12 Maryland and ex-Minnesota coach Brenda Frese. The state wants a winner, and this is their chance.

sweet moves Former Wolves player and current Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg shows off nice dance moves in a video to raise money for charity.

good luck charm Dallas owner Jerry Jones thinks N.J. Gov. Chris Christie is "part of our mojo" and wants him at Lambeau for Sunday's game.

This Sept. 29, 2014 photo shows Ohio Gov. John Kasich, left, joking with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at a GOP Get Out the Vote rally in Independence, Ohio. Kasich will be joined at his swearing-in ceremony next week by fellow Republican and potential presidential contender Chris Christie. A spokeswoman for Kasich's inauguration committee confirmed Monday, Jan. 5, 2015 that the New Jersey governor plans to attend Kasich's Jan. 12 inaugural celebration at the historic Southern Theatre in downtown Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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