Gophers at Rutgers for a must-win Big Ten road game - OPEN THREAD

Where

Piscataway

When

5:30 PM

How

BTN

Who

Rutgers

After back to back 3-15 Big Ten seasons the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have won 5 conference games this year and are a much more challenging foe this year. The Gophers rolled to an 18-point over Rutgers in January, but that was at home. Can they get just their second road win of the season tonight?

KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN

Get Amir Coffey going - Coffey has been inconsistent this season, dominating opponents in one game then being taken out of his game in others. He had 29 points on 10/14 shooting in the first matchup with Rutgers. More of that is needed today.

Box out - Rutgers is 34th nationally in offensive rebounding % and it is one of the best things that this team does. Don’t let them get extra possessions by being lazy on rebounding. Fortunately we have a guy who is pretty good at this.

PREDICTION

That’s it today, in my opinion. Just 2 keys to coming away with our first (and only) road win since the win at Madison. We haven’t played well on the road this year, so I’m rather nervous. But losing this one would be a huge blow to our NCAA Tournament hopes while a win (especially one of double-digits) would be a nice boost.

I think the Gophers come away with a win.

Minnesota - 76
Rutgers - 71