Minnesota vs Michigan Big Ten Tournament GameHub: Preview and How to Watch

The slate of exciting conference tournament games are set for a packed Saturday and the Big Ten Conference has one team looking to crash the party, the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

The 75-73 upset yesterday over Purdue gives Minnesota (21-12) a chance to make some noise when it counts. They seem to be a solid lock to get in the NCAA Tournament, but a couple more quality wins this weekend would help solidify that spot.

Let’s look at this Golden Gophers squad and what Michigan is about to face today.

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

1. Senior Jordan Murphy is coming off a a performance of 27-points and eight rebounds against Purdue. He’s averaging just under 15 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, so he is likely a player to watch inside crashing the boards. The last time he played against the Wolverines he put up 18 points and 15 rebounds in a 69-60 loss at home.
2. Junior Amir Coffey has momentum after scoring 21 points against Purdue. The duo of Coffey and Murphy is potent and are looking to give Michigan’s defense fits. Coffey is averaging 16.4 points per game, so they will rely on another great game today.
3. Freshman Daniel Oturo is a player that could also be due for a huge game. His 10.9 point/7.3 rebounds per game average shows you he can play against anyone, especially after last nights 13 point and 10 rebound performance.
4. Their stats last night consisted of shooting at 50% total field goals (27-for-54), 5-for-13 from the three point line, and 16-for-21 from the free throw line. The 31 rebounds and nine turnovers allowed proves this team will get points off opponent mistakes and create offensive second chances.
5. The offense is averaging 71.5 points per game while Michigan is only allowing 58.7. The Wolverines are averaging 37.8 rebounds per game with Minnesota above them at 41.2.

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

This Golden Gopher team is poised to keep the momentum going.

Whenever I hear gopher, I think of that pesky one in the classic movie “Caddyshack”. Not so fast you pesky Gophers! Michigan looked very good against Iowa last night in the 74 -53 win. The addition of Charles Matthews will be key in this game, especially on defense. They have now won a record nine-straight Big Ten tournament games looking to make it 10 to play for a third-straight Conference Championship.

Where: United Center- Chicago, Illinois

Tip-off: 3:30pm ET

TV: CBS Sports.

Betting Line: According to CBS Sports, Michigan is favored by 9.5 points.

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