University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Take On Clemson In Big Ten/ACC Challenge
11/29/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
MINNESOTA (2-4)
vs.
Clemson (7-0)
NOVEMBER 29, 2006 • 8:30 p.m.
Williams Arena • Minneapolis, Minn.
Television: ESPN2 - Mark Jones, PBP; Fran Fraschilla
RADIO: Gopher Radio Network - Mike Grimm, PBP; Kevin Lynch, analyst
STORYLINES
• The Gophers return home hoping to snap a four-game losing streak.
• The Gophers are 3-4 all-time in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.
• Minnesota was defeated, 83-66, at Maryland last season in the Challenge. Minnesota has the second most wins of any Big Ten school in the Challenge. Michigan State leads with four triumphs and Illinois and Minnesota are tied for second with three.
• The ACC holds a 40-24 advantage in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, claiming the Commissioner’s Cup all seven years
• The Gophers lead the series 4-1 (including vacated games). Minnesota defeated Clemson twice during the 1996-97 season, the second win coming during Minnesota’s run to the Final Four. The Gophers defeated Clemson in the Sweet 16, 90-84, in double overtime in San Antonio, Texas.
• The Gophers are 59-8 in home non-conference games under Monson and 70-28 in non-conference play under Monson including the postseason.
MATCHUP
Minnesota hopes to end a losing skid with a tough task of hosting the undefeated Clemson Tigers at the Barn. The Gophers lost four games in a six-day span last week and Clemson is fresh off two wins over Mississippi State (69-66) and Charleston Southern (74-50) at home.
SCOUTING the Tigers
Clemson features a balanced attack with four players currently averaging in double figures. The Tigers have increased their win total in every year since head coach Oliver Purnell took over the program three seasons ago. They return six letterwinners who started at least 11 games last season. Clemson was 11-0 last season before forward James Mays was suspended for academics. This season, the 6-9 forward, is averaging 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per contest. Sophomore guard K.C. Rivers leads the team off the bench at 13.1 ppg.
