1 p.m. at Rutgers • TV: BTN • Radio: 93.3-FM
One much-improved team vs. another
Preview: Coming off an impressive 91-71 victory at Penn State on Wednesday, the Gophers (14-4, 3-2 Big Ten) face another improved team in Rutgers. In fact, the Scarlet Knights might be one of the most improved teams in the nation. The Gophers shot a season-high 57.6 percent from the field (38-of-66) and a season-high 58.8 percent (10-of-17) from three-point range on Wednesday. Rutgers (16-3, 4-1) had won 11 in a row before Wednesday's 47-33 loss at Purdue. Last season, the Scarlet Knights were 6-24 overall and 3-12 in the Big Ten and ended the season with an 11-game losing streak. One reason for the Scarlet Knights turnaround is defense. The Scarlet Knights are allowing just 54.1 points per game.
Players to watch: Guard Carlie Wagner led the Gophers with 23 points on Wednesday and was 5-for-6 from three-point range. It was the 100th time (in 114 career games) she has scored in double figures. Senior guard Tyler Scaife had nine points for Rutgers on Wednesday to reach 2,000 points for her career. Scaife is averaging 20.8 points per game — the only Rutgers player averaging more than 10 points per game. Junior forward Caitlin Jenkins leads the team in rebounding (8.3).
Numbers: Coach C. Vivian Stringer, in her 23rd season at Rutgers and 47th season overall, has a 993-393 career record. Stringer has had just five losing seasons.
joel rippel
