The Gophers (4-4) and Ohio State (5-3) have similar Big Ten Conference records and both aspire to qualify for the NCAA tournament in March, but Sunday’s game in Columbus is intriguing for more than that. At least some players don’t have much liking for one another and there’s enough history to believe this could be a physical game.
“…I expect a lot of dirty play, to be honest with you,” Gopher Lawrence Westbrook said. “It will be a war.”
Westbrook and Ohio State star Evan Turner “talked trash” in the Gophers’ win over the Buckeyes in Minneapolis earlier this month, according to a January 10 story by the Star Tribune. The newspaper reported that game officials warned the players at halftime about their disapproval of such behavior. After the game there was reportedly shoving and verbal exchanges involving players from both teams, but other details haven’t been confirmed.
The Big Ten office is expected to alert its game officials about the potentially emotional situation on Sunday, a game that will begin at noon Minneapolis time and be televised by CBS. Early in the game officials will probably be quick to blow their whistles when they judge there is too much contact between players. “Trash talking” will likely be monitored closely and technical fouls could result.
When asked recently about potential problems, Gophers coach Tubby Smith made a brief response, saying he doesn’t anticipate incidents. That’s an expected reply to the media, but emotions will surely be a topic that Smith discusses with his players prior to the game.
As badly as the Gophers could use a signature win against No. 20 ranked Ohio State, it will be a surprise if they win. The Gophers haven’t impressed much away from Williams Arena. They have one quality win on a neutral court (Butler) and have lost three of four conference road games. With a less than glittering 13-7 overall record, the Gophers have three of their next four conference games on the road and with that an opportunity to enhance their potential NCAA tournament resume.
The Gophers were nationally ranked before the season began. But they lost starting point guard Al Nolen to academic ineligibility earlier this month, and high potential forwards Trevor Mbakwe and Royce White have yet to play in any games because of suspensions.
“I love my team,” Smith said. “…This is a remarkable group. I really am proud of the way they have conducted themselves and handled themselves despite some of the…distractions.”