Struggling Cowboys Take on Struggling Golden Gophers in South Dakota

Oklahoma State versus Minnesota -- it’s a matchup of two teams that are in desperate need of a win. Like Oklahoma State, Minnesota has some bad loses. The Golden Gophers have established themselves as the third best team in South Dakota, which isn’t too much worse than being the third best team in Oklahoma. Coming off back to back loses against South Dakota and South Dakota State, the Pokes and Gophers meet up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota tonight at 7:30 in what should be an even game. Bad teams can play evenly matched games too.

Earlier in the season, Minnesota lost to Texas Tech in Puerto Rico so that should give you an understanding where this team is at. Granted, Tech is supposed to be better this year, but I think we’ll all agree that we’ll believe it when we see it. Minnesota does have an indirect when over Oklahoma State this year. The Gophers edged Missouri State by five points on November 20th. 6-9 senior forward Joey King will be the Gopher player to keep an eye on. King is averaging 15.8 points a game, while bringing in four rebounds a game. The key matchup tonight will be King going up against Chris Olivier, who has been one of the lone bright spots this year.

The Pokes continue to be without Phil Forte, but Tavarius Shine is a game time decision. Shine hasn’t played since November 13th and would provide some depth off the bench the Cowboys so desperately need.  Jeff Newberry is still recovering from a face injury he suffered at the end of the Missouri State game, but is expected to play.

Game time is scheduled for 7:30 on the Big 10 Network.