Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Indiana Hoosiers: Game Preview and Prediction

The Indiana Hoosiers are making fans happier and happier as the weeks go on.

Indiana is 15-1 overall, and 3-1 in the Big Ten. They have won three straight Big Ten games after dropping the Big Ten opener to current conference leader Michigan State in East Lansing.

The Hoosiers also have their highest ranking (seventh) in a week since week 11 of the 2007-2008 season.

Indiana's opponent tomorrow is desperately looking for a win. The Minnesota Golden Gophers (12-5, 0-4 Big Ten) are off to an 0-4 start in conference play after having success in the non-conference part of the schedule.

Indiana will need to pay attention to Minnesota, rather than look ahead to their rematch with Ohio State on Sunday.

The main reason for Minnesota's decline in Big 10 play is due to the absence of their best player, Trevor Mbakwe. He went out early in the season with an injury, and the Gophers really need him in conference play.

Minnesota lost 81-72 in double overtime in their conference opener at Illinois. They lost at Michigan following that game 61-56, and lost both their home games to Iowa and Purdue.

In those losses, Minnesota has relied on the three-point shot heavily, but have have failed miserably. They're a combined 21-for-66 in their four Big Ten games from behind the arc. They've also committed double digit turnovers in all four games.

Besides that, they're losing due to their unwise talent machups with opponents.

If Indiana can shoot like they did the last three games and continue to get their hands up on all shots, then the Hoosiers can turn this into a rout.

Minnesota has lost the last two matchups in Bloomington—including a 60-57 loss last season. They did beat the Hoosiers in Minneapolis 67-63 on January 4th, but this is a better Indiana team.

I think the best matchup tomorrow night will be between 6'11" senior Ralph Sampson III and 6'11" freshman Cody Zeller. Both guys are lean and very skilled. I think the matchup down low will be intense.

Another thing Indiana must do well to win—besides shoot the ball—is get Minnesota in foul trouble. The Gophers turn to four freshmen and a sophomore off the bench. The inexperience could be detrimental to the Gophers. 

Starting Lineups

Minnesota

G 13 Maverick Ahanmisi 6'2" So.

G 0 Julian Welch 6'3" Jr.

G 20 Austin Hollins 6'4" So.

F 33 Rodney Williams 6'7" Jr.

C 50 Ralph Sampson III 6'11" Sr.

Indiana

G 1 Jordan Hulls 6'0" Jr.

G 12 Verdell Jones III 6'5" Sr.

G 4 Victor Oladipo 6'4" So.

F 2 Christian Watford 6'9" Jr.

C 40 Cody Zeller 6'11" Fr. 

Prediction

Indiana 84, Minnesota 67