Michigan @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 16, 2019 ) Minnesota 49, Michigan 76

No. 19 Michigan looks to break out of a logjam in the middle of the Big Ten standings when it visits Minnesota on Sunday. The Wolverines bounced back from a humbling 87-69 loss to eighth-ranked Michigan State with an 84-78 double-overtime victory against Purdue on Thursday to become one of eight teams with two conference wins, and they hope to separate themselves from the rest of the pack by beating the Golden Gophers for the sixth straight time.

"There were two heavyweights going at it and that's what the Big Ten is all about," Michigan coach Juwan Howard told reporters. "We'll be locked in on Minnesota for sure." Minnesota suffered a 74-58 setback to Michigan State on Thursday to see their road losing streak stretch to five games. The Golden Gophers have dropped two of their first three games of the new calendar year since ending the month of December with three consecutive victories, and they hope to get back on track by knocking off the Wolverines for the first time since Feb. 19, 2017 while improving to 8-1 at home in the process. "We just have to figure it out and we have another opportunity on Sunday," Minnesota guard Alihan Demir told reporters. "We need everyone to step up when they get their chance and be ready to play."

TIME: 1 p.m. ET. TV: Big Ten Network

ABOUT MICHIGAN (11-4, 2-2 Big Ten): Zavier Simpson scored 10 of his team-high 22 points in the overtime periods and dished out nine assists in the win against Purdue to move within 10 assists of taking over second place on the program's all-time list. Jon Teske filled up the stat sheet with 18 points, nine rebounds, four blocked shots and two steals while Franz Wagner finished with 15 points, including a clutch 3-pointer in the second overtime, and five boards against the Boilermakers. Isaiah Livers, who is averaging 13.6 points per game and leads the team in 3-point shooting percentage (50), will likely miss his fourth consecutive game with a groin injury.

ABOUT MINNESOTA (8-7, 2-3): Daniel Oturu scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Michigan State despite missing a portion of the second half with an elbow issue to record his fourth straight double-double and the 10th of the season. Marcus Carr added 11 points and six assists but was plagued by foul trouble while Demir registered 10 points, eight boards and three blocks against the Spartans. "Marcus Carr getting into foul trouble really hurt us," Minnesota coach Richard Pitino told reporters. "We just tried to find a way to get through but we'll learn from it."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Michigan has won 14 of the last 15 meetings with Minnesota.

2. Oturu is ranked ninth nationally in blocked shots per game (3.1).

3. Simpson leads the nation in total assists (133).

PREDICTION: Minnesota 74, Michigan 69