Preview: The Gophers (6-1) look to bounce back against Cornell (2-5) after suffering their first nonconference home loss under Tubby Smith on Monday, 87-79 to Virginia in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
Gameday: Gophers vs. Cornell
December 4, 2010 at 7:04AM
The Gophers will win because ... Their loss to the Cavaliers was a reality check. They know the danger of a defensive letdown, especially since they are playing another team that they are supposed to beat. Cornell has a minus-10 average rebounding margin this season, a problem for a team facing the Big Ten's second-ranked rebounding offense (39.7 per game).
The Gophers will lose because ... They have to play another game without injured guard Al Nolen. He's the Big Ten steals leader, and his absence was obvious when the Gophers got picked apart. They also have the league's No. 10 field-goal percentage defense (41 percent) and scoring defense (70.0 ppg).
MYRON P. MEDCALF
about the writer
Aaron Huglen and wife Maddie are expecting their first baby right before the Gophers take aim at a sixth NCAA title.
