26th annual Mariucci Classic tournament preview
December 30, 2016 at 2:40AM
Alabama Huntsville (7-11-2) vs. Massachusetts (4-12-2), 4 p.m.: Alabama Huntsville is 3-1 in December after winning just two games in November. Massachusetts has lost five consecutive games but upset No. 12 Notre Dame 5-4 to open December.
No. 11 Gophers (9-5-2) vs. Mercyhurst (7-9-1), 7 p.m., FSN Plus, 1500-AM: The Gophers opened Big Ten play with a 3-1 record before pausing for winter break. They are 6-3-1 in their past 10 with wins against four ranked opponents. Mercyhurst, making its Mariucci Classic debut, is 2-1-1 in December.
Saturday's games
The winners advance to Saturday's championship game, losers to the third-place game. The Gophers, win or lose Friday, will play at 7 p.m.; Mercyhurst will play at 4 p.m. The Gophers game will be on FSN Plus and 1500-AM.
JASON GONZALEZ
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The No. 1 Ducks will be in Madison, where the Badgers are rested coming off a bye week. Meanwhile, while USC and Nebraska square off at the L.A. Coliseum.
