5 p.m. at Nebraska • Big Ten Network (1570-AM)

Preview: The Gophers (11-11, 2-7 Big Ten) and Nebraska (5-17, 1-9) are both struggling teams on losing streaks. Minnesota has lost three in a row, the Cornhuskers five. Part of the problem is both teams' schedules: Minnesota's is the sixth-toughest nationally, Nebraska's the ninth. Last season the Gophers beat the Huskers 110-73 at Williams Arena. First-year Nebraska coach Amy Williams led South Dakota to the WNIT title last season, and en route beat the Gophers in the second round.

Players to watch: Jessica Shepard, a 6-4 sophomore forward, averages 18.5 points and 10.2 rebounds for Nebraska and need only 18 more points to reach 2,000. The Gophers' offense runs through the hands of guards Carlie Wagner (20 points per game) and Kenisha Bell (16.6). They have taken nearly half Minnesota's shots. Wagner needs six points to pass Emily Fox for ninth in the program's all-time scoring list.

Numbers: This is only Nebraska's second game in 24 days at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Huskers have beaten Minnesota four games in a row in Lincoln, and lead the series 6-3 since they joined the Big Ten. Bryanna Fernstrom of the Gophers is coming off a double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) on Monday vs. Michigan State.

staff reports