USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Gophers guard Both Gach (11) and guard Marcus Carr (5) high five after a play during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Gophers guard Both Gach (11) and guard Marcus Carr (5) high five after a play during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Men’s Basketball action will see a massive Big 10 rematch between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Both teams are ranked in the AP Poll. In fact, the first big win for Minnesota to be in this position this season came over the Hawkeyes in an OT 102-95 game.
The Hawkeyes have rolled over their opponents since that loss. This includes wins over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Northwestern Wildcats. However, this is their toughest test since their loss to Minnesota on Christmas Night.
Iowa has won three straight games since losing to Minnesota on Christmas Night. Hawkeyes go for revenge today in Iowa City. Just another day in the Big Ten.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 10, 2021
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The Golden Gophers are on the verge of dropping out of the rankings after a big loss at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines. In fact, this game will help the Hawkeyes solidify their position in the top-five and not lose it to the Wolverines. Minnesota have gone 2-2 since the Hawkeyes win.
So, will they be able to hold off Luka Garza and the Hawkeyes once again?
NCAA Men’s Basketball: Do the Hawkeyes exact their revenge?
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The first game resembled an NBA game score because both these teams play at a frenetic pace. Iowa is one of the most gifted teams offensively, but their defense is what led them down against Minnesota the first time around. The Golden Gophers shot very efficiently that night as the teams were locked in an offensive battle heading into OT.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55) shoots the ball during the first half against the Minnesota Gophers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
Gophers big-man Liam Robbins is doubtful for the game, but is expected to start. He has been a big part of their success but seemed to injure his quad in the blowout loss to Michigan. The Iowa native would love to put another beating on his hometown team.
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The Minnesota Golden Gophers will be starting the game with Both Gach, Marcus Carr, Gabe Kalscheur, Brandon Johnson, and Liam Robbins. The Hawkeyes will start with Jordan Bohannon, CJ Fredrick, Connor McCaffery, Joe Wisekamp, and Luka Garza.
The Hawkeyes might just eke out a win this time around. Minnesota squeaked out a challenging win on Christmas, but the momentum of both teams is different right now. Iowa hasn’t lost a game, and Minnesota are 2-2. That game was an upset, and the Hawkeyes will be looking to restore order with a win.
