Wins were hard to come by for the Minnesota Gophers (3-13 Big Ten, 9-21 overall) during the 2006-'07 season. When Michigan's Jarret Smith's two free throws clinched a victory for the Wolverines with 9.7 seconds left, it must have been difficult for the Gophers to stomach. But when they had a chance to exact revenge against the Wolverines two weeks later at home, they came up short, losing by 11.
During the first game, Dion Harris scored 27 points and led Michigan (8-8, 20-11) down the stretch while Brent Petway pitched in with 18. Both were season highs. For the Gophers in the first game, Lawrence McKenzie and Dan Coleman each scored 18. In the second game, Harris led the way again with 15, while Lester Abram and Ekpe Udoh each had 14. For Minnesota, Jamal Abu-Shamala's season-high 27 points were in vain.
McKenzie and Coleman, as well as Spencer Tollackson down low, carry the Gophers, but sometimes the first two come off the bench. Harris is the leading scorer for the Wolverines, but as Courtney Sims goes, Michigan goes. His ability to limit Tollackson's scoring and get the big man in trouble could be key to this game.
Neither team had much success against Ohio State in the regular season. Michigan took the Buckeyes to the wire last Saturday, but got blown out in the first game between the two. The Gophers lost by 18 in the one matchup between the two.
The battle begins at 11 a.m. Thursday in Chicago.
Prediction: Minnesota's chaotic season will most likely end in depressing fashion. Michigan needs this win, as well as a victory over Ohio State in the next round to get to the NCAA Tournament. That, as well as the previous two matchups, will play a big role.
Michigan 86, Minnesota 70.
