Wednesday, November 26th, 8:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Williams Arena (14,625) -- Minneapolis, Minnesota. Television: BTN. Home Record: EWU 2-0, Minnesota 3-0. Away Record: EWU 1-1, Minnesota 1-0. Neutral Record: EWU 0-0, Minnesota 0-0. Conference Record: EWU 0-0, Minnesota 0-0. Series Record: Minnesota leads, 1-0.

GAME NOTES: The Minnesota Golden Gophers will try to remain perfect on the season when they host the Eastern Washington Eagles in a non-conference battle at the Williams Arena. Since opening the year with a 16-point loss to Illinois, the Eagles have soared, winning three consecutive matchups. The last time EWU was on the court the team grabbed a strong, 69-59 victory over Idaho. Eastern Washington has not enjoyed much success against Big Ten foes. In fact, the team is winless in six meetings against teams from that conference. As for the Golden Gophers, they have been flawless in the early stages of this season, as the team comes into this matchup with a 4-0 ledger. The last time Minnesota was on the floor the team collected a thrilling, 72-71 win over Colorado State. Thus far the Golden Gophers are 3-0 at home, and will remain on their home court for the team's next four matchups. This will be just the second-ever meeting between the to schools on the hardwood. The only other matchup came down to the wire, as Minnesota slipped past EWU, 68-66.

Eastern Washington might be 3-1 on the year, but the team has not won with overwhelming offensive play. In fact, the Eagles fly into this matchup averaging a mediocre 66.5 ppg, while shooting 44.0 percent from the floor. Benny Valentine has been the main scoring threat for EWU, as the guard is posting 18.0 ppg. Brandon Moore has been the top option down low, as the forward is betting 13.0 ppg to go along with a team-best 7.5 rpg. The last time EWU was on the court the team shot a solid 46.8 percent from the field, and used a 21-of-25 showing from the foul line en route to a 10-point win over Idaho. Moore led the way with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Valentine and Milan Stanojevic contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The perfect start for Minnesota can be attributed to the team's tenacious defensive efforts, as the Golden Gophers are limiting teams to just 58.8 ppg, and an equally poor 37.6 percent shooting. At the other end of the floor the team has been mediocre at best, netting 69.0 ppg, while being led by Lawrence Westbrook, who is averaging 13.5 ppg, despite shooting 39.1 percent from the floor. Al Nolen is the only other player for Minnesota producing double figures, as the guard is netting 10.8 ppg to go along with 4.5 rpg and a team- best 6.0 apg. The last time Minnesota was on the floor the team needed a layup in the final seconds by Paul Carter to earn a victory over Colorado State. Blake Hoffarber led the way for the Gophers with 20 points, while Nolen contributed 16 points.

The Gophers have been extremely tough defensively, and since the Eagles have yet to hit their stride offensively, this could be a tough matchup for EWU. Look for Minnesota to remain perfect on the season.

Predicted Outcome

Minnesota 73, Eastern Washington 64