Two teams looking to re-direct the course of their season. Both teams at times have looked like Big Ten title contenders but are currently riding losing streaks.
Game Time: 1:00
TV: BTN
Radio: AM1500 and the Gopher Radio Network
Pos | #11 - Minnesota | Pnt/Gm | Pnt/Gm | Wisconsin | Pos | |
PG | Andre Hollins | 13.8 | 5.6 | Traevon Jackson | G | |
G | Joe Coleman | 10.5 | 10.6 | Ben Brust | G | |
F | Austin Hollins | 11.2 | 10.9 | Ryan Evans | F | |
F | Rodney Williams | 12.1 | 7.5 | Mike Bruesewitz | F | |
C | Trevor Mbakwe | 9.9 | 12.5 | Jared Berggren | C | |
Bench | Maverick Ahanmisi | 3.9 | 5.6 | George Marshall | Bench | |
Bench | Julian Welch | 3.7 | 9.2 | Sam Dekker | Bench | |
Bench | Elliott Eliason | 1.9 | 0.9 | Evan Anderson | Bench |
The names that I fear the most are Ben Brust who is a Hoffarber-esque shooter and Sam Dekker the freshman phenom who is primed for a breakout offensive game. I did not list reserve forward Frank Kaminsky as I'm not sure if he'll be available today (translation that I'm too lazy to look it up).
For the Gophers I want to see Andre Hollins' big smile today on his way to a huge offensive day. He really struggled at Northwestern and this is when he will be stone-cold and lead the Gophers to a big road win.
KenPom Efficiency Stats | Minnesota (9) | Wisconsin (13) |
Record | 15-4 | 13-6 |
Pnt / Poss | 1.169 (8) | 1.111 (24) |
Def Pnt / Poss | 0.882 | 0.864 (14) |
Off eFG% | 51.5% | 50.5% |
Def eFG% | 44.7% | 43.8% |
Off Reb % | 48.0% (1) | 35.9% |
Def Reb % | 65.3%(278) | 73.6% (12) |
TO % | 22.1% (260) | 14.5 (1) |
Interesting dynamic here. Wisconsin excels at limiting possessions and being more efficient with them. They lead the nation in not turning it over and are really good at not allowing offensive rebounds. They just don't give extra possessions. The Gophers, on the other hand, make a living by getting themselves extra possessions. Something is going to have to give.
As I wrote yesterday I really hope to see the Gophers play loose, free and have fun on the court. Forget about being afraid to make mistakes, play hard and have fun.