The Gophers lead 35-32 in a game it really doesn’t feel like they should be winning. They have 10 turnovers and their half-court offense has been stagnant, but they’ve done a good job on defense shutting down Wolverines leading scorer Manny Harris, who has just three points  at half.

Tubby Smith stuck with Blake Hoffarber and Devoe Joseph in the starting lineup, something he did for the first time Wednesday against Wisconsin, as well as starting seniors Jamal Abu-Shamala and Jonathan Williams. Smith said it sparked Westbrook against Wisconsin to start the game on the bench, and maybe that has happened again, as Westbrook has eight points. Ralph Sampson, who also came off the bench because of Williams’ start, also has eight points.

Also of note is that freshman center Colton Iverson hasn’t been in the game yet. He’s dressed and the word is that he isn’t injured, but just hasn’t played. He came into the game averaging more than 18 minutes per game.