Preview: Wisconsin at Minnesota

No. 21 Wisconsin (18-6, 7-4) will head to Minneapolis to face off with Minnesota (17-7, 5-6) in the annual border war between the two programs.

Andre Hollins is a key contributor off the bench.

Wisconsin just had their six-game win streak snapped by No. 3 Ohio State over the weekend, while Minnesota returns home after splitting consecutive road games at Iowa and Nebraska.

Tale of the Tape

After a rough start to Big Ten play, Minnesota has rallied to win five of their last seven games inside the conference. The Gophers recorded three wins against the RPI top 50 since January 12.

Projected Starters

G Julian Welch 6-3 Jr.
G Joe Coleman 6-4 Fr.
G Austin Hollins 6-4 So.
F Rodney Williams 6-7 Jr.
F Ralph Sampson III 6-11 Sr.

Strengths

Protecting the Rim: Minnesota has led the Big Ten in blocked shots during the last three seasons. The Gophers have blocked 129 shots this season (5.4 per game).

Bench Play: Tubby Smith has gotten terrific production from his bench this season. Minnesota’s key reserves are all averaging at least 10 minutes of action per game. The Gophers are 14-3 this season and 79-38 under Smith when the bench outscores the oppositions’s bench.

Austin Hollins

Home Sweet Home: The Gophers have a record of 65-19 (.774) at Williams Arena under head coach Tubby Smith. Minnesota is allowing just 60.7 points per game at Williams Arena under Smith as well.

Weaknesses:

Missing Mbakwe: Minnesota will have to play out the season without its Senior Forward Trevor Mbakwe, a Preseason All-American. Mbakwe was averaging 14.0 points and 9.1 rebounds per game this season.

Boxing Out: The Gophers struggle at times on the defensive glass. Minnesota's opponents average 11.5 offensive rebounds per game against the Gophers throughout the season.

Player to Watch:

Although Junior Forward Rodney Williams is the headliner on Minnesota's roster, watch Freshman Guard Joe Coleman tonight. Coleman is averaging 10.1 points,second on the team, to go along with a team-high 5.5 rebounds a game as a starter. He is shooting 42 percent from the field as well.

Prediction:

Wisconsin has played better on the road all season and needs this game to stay within striking distance of Ohio State.

If Mike Bruesewitz and Ryan Evans can contain Williams, the Badgers should control the tempo of the game throughout.

Wisconsin wins their fourth-straight road game by knocking off the Gophers 55-49.