With IU facing Minnesota at Williams Arena tonight, I spoke with Gophers beat writer Marcus Fuller of the St. Paul Pioneer Press about the matchup.
IDS: For people who haven't seen Minnesota play this season, what should they expect on Tuesday night?
Marcus Fuller: They are very similar to the Minnesota team you saw last season. The Gophers try to force turnovers to generate offense. They rely a lot on three-point shooting from Blake Hoffarber. Two things are different. They've been even more vulnerable at the three-point line, and they have a solid inside presence with Trevor Mbakwe.
IDS: It was announced that Devoe Joseph will not play against IU and may not be back this season. How much of an impact will that have on the Gophers?
MF: If you remember, Joseph had a big game against Indiana last season in Bloomington. He was the reason the Gophers came back and sent the game into overtime. But Verdell Jones outplayed Joseph in the extra period. The Gophers can easily win without Joseph if they get big games inside from Mbakwe and center Ralph Sampson III. But they haven't played well together lately. And their perimeter players have struggled a bit, especially down the stretch. Joseph will be missed.
IDS: Has there been a player on this year's team that has really stepped his game up this year? Why?
MF: I wouldn't say there is one particular player who has changed much from a year ago under Tubby Smith. Judging by the numbers Hoffarber and Sampson have improved as scorers. But Hoffarber's three-point shooting percentage has dropped slightly. Sampson had some stretches where he looks like one of the top big men in the conference. But he still reverts back to being a non-factor too often to rely on.
IDS: What does IU need to do to upset Minnesota and win Tuesday night's game?
MF: Three areas will be the key for an Indiana upset: 1) Hitting three-pointer; 2) Controlling the boards; 3) Getting Mbakwe in foul trouble.
IDS: Predictions for the matchup?
MF: I don't usually do predictions, but I'll make an exception for you guys. Gophers 67, Indiana 60.
