Minnesota team capsule

Minnesota (21-13)

COACH: Tubby Smith, three years at Minnesota, two years in NCAA Tournament

HOW THEY GOT IN: At-large bid

MATCHUP BREAKDOWN: Minnesota rode its terrific depth and 3-point marksmanship into its second consecutive at-large berth. Fortunately or unfortunately, the Gophers find themselves faced with a Xavier squad that boasts a similar profile. Minnesota shoots 40 percent from 3-point range, but the Musketeers shoot 37 percent. Minnesota plays eight guys at least 13 minutes per game, but Xavier plays eight guys at least 14 minutes per game. The Gophers intimidate opponents into 40 percent shooting, but Xavier holds foes to 41 percent. The potential difference? Xavier has a clear go-to guy in former Indiana shooter Jordan Crawford (19.7 points per game).

GO-TO GUYS: Senior G Lawrence Westbrook (12.9 points per game) remains the Gopher who's best able to generate his own shot and most likely to get hot and carry his team. Junior Blake Hoffarber (10.7 points per game) can't create his own shot, but he's the Big Ten's best shooter (76-of-158 on 3s) and keeps defenses from doubling elsewhere. Sophomore PG Devoe Joseph (9.0 points per game) is a fine jump shooter, while sophomore C Ralph Sampson III serves as the best post threat (8.5 points per game, 6.2 rpg).

THEY'LL KEEP WINNING IF: Minnesota's confidence remains high, no matter the road it must travel, after their shimmering showing in four days at the Big Ten tournament. The Gophers' depth and defense are too much for its opponents. The Gophers go nine deep, and their ceaseless defensive effort shows in their league-leading totals for blocks (5.7 per game) and steals (8.1 per game). Minnesota also led the Big Ten in 3-point accuracy (40.1 percent), but the Gophers made more 3-pointers than their opponents in just nine of their 30 regular-season games. They went 9-0 in those games, however.

STRENGTHS: The Gophers limit their foes to 40-percent shooting while forcing almost 15 turnovers per game. Senior F Damian Johnson, one of the nation's most underrated players, averages 1.9 blocks and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 53 percent from the field. Though Johnson doesn't shoot 3-pointers, the Gophers have three guards (Westbrook, Hoffarber and Joseph) who shoot a collective 43 percent from beyond the arc.

WEAKNESSES: When junior Al Nolen was declared academically ineligible six games into Big Ten play, the Gophers lost their best perimeter defender and their only true playmaker. Minnesota committed more turnovers than it forced in Big Ten games. The Gophers also allowed conference foes to shoot 37 percent on 3-pointers, which you wouldn't expect from such a solid defensive squad.