Gophers basketball Big Ten opener: Gameday preview vs. Rutgers

A bounce-back in Big Ten opener?

Preview: The No. 12 Gophers (7-1) are coming off their first loss of the season Wednesday against No. 10 Miami, 86-81 in front of a sellout crowd at Williams Arena. They were shorthanded because starting junior guard Dupree McBrayer is out with a right leg infection. McBrayer isn't cleared to return for Sunday's Big Ten opener. That likely will make Minnesota give a second straight start to freshman Isaiah Washington, who had 14 points on 6-for-17 shooting against the Hurricanes but also five turnovers. The Scarlet Knights (6-1) also suffered their first loss of the season in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Tuesday at home against Florida State, 78-73. They open Big Ten play arguably with the toughest first early two games: at Minnesota and vs. No. 3 Michigan State.

Players to watch: Gophers sophomore guard Amir Coffey had the second 20-plus point game of his career Wednesday with 23 points against Miami, including 14 points in the first half. Rutgers sophomore forward Eugene Omoruyi came off the bench to score a career-high 22 points on 9-for-11 shooting against Florida State.

Numbers: Minnesota Junior forward Jordan Murphy ranks third in the nation in player efficiency (36.1), only behind Notre Dame's Bonzie Colson (36.5) and Oklahoma's Trae Young (38.6).

MARCUS FULLER