Gophers men's basketball preview vs. Nebraska

The Gophers are looking for their first Big Ten win this season, and face an improved Cornhuskers squad at Williams Arena.

January 7, 2023 at 12:03AM
The Gophers’ Jamison Battle (10) fended off Nebraska’s Trey McGowens (2) in the Huskers’ 78-65 home victory last season on Feb. 9. (Rebecca S. Gratz, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

GOPHERS MEN'S BASKETBALL GAMEDAY

Saturday: 11 a.m. vs. Nebraska • Big Ten Network, 100.3-FM

Gophers update: The Gophers (6-7, 0-3 Big Ten) are looking for their first Big Ten win of the season, with Illinois the only other Big Ten team winless in conference play. Minnesota hasn't started league play 0-4 since the 2015-16 season. The Gophers were upset-minded Tuesday, nearly erasing a 15-point deficit before falling 63-60 at No. 14 Wisconsin. Ta'Lon Cooper, Jamison Battle and Dawson Garcia combined for 43 points, but the team committed a season-high 20 turnovers leading to 21 points for the Badgers. Minnesota's last home game was a 58-55 win against Chicago State on Dec. 22.

Nebraska update: The Cornhuskers (8-7, 1-3) picked up their first Big Ten win, 66-50 on Dec. 29 against Iowa at home. They nearly had another conference win at home but dropped a 65-62 game on Dec. 10 against Purdue in overtime. Fred Hoiberg seems to have a much-improved squad in his fourth season as Nebraska's coach. A signature win came earlier this season at then-No. 7 Creighton on the road. Senior Derrick Walker leads Nebraska in points (13.7) and rebounds (8.2). North Dakota State transfer Sam Griesel is averaging 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

about the writer

about the writer

Marcus Fuller

Reporter

Marcus Fuller covers Gophers men's basketball and college basketball for the Star Tribune. He has 13 years of experience covering Twin Cities college and professional sports. 

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