The Gophers, currently standing at 10-1, are back on home soil after a rather one-sided loss to a ranked Nebraska team. This marks the first of their two final nonconference games of the season. In their recent encounter with the Huskers, they suffered an 84-65 defeat, a game in which they hit a season low in points scored while witnessing their opponents achieve remarkable feats such as the highest points allowed (84), best overall shooting (51.1%), and the most rebounds (49). It seems that the non-Big Ten slate they've played through may not have provided them with a sufficient challenge. By the time they wrap up nonconference play against Prairie View A&M on December 20th, the average NET ranking of their 12 nonconference foes will stand at 239.8 in a women's Division I field consisting of 360 teams. Mallory Heyer put up a 12-point, eight-rebound performance at Nebraska. Freshman Tori McKinney, who has taken over for the injured Mara Braun, has scored in double figures in five out of her six starts. Grace Grocholski, on the other hand, has scored in double figures in six consecutive games for the Gophers, who currently hold a 37 NET ranking.

Jackson State's Struggles

The Tigers, with a 1-7 record, have now lost six games in a row and possess a 304 NET ranking. This Mississippi school is struggling to find their rhythm on the offensive end, averaging just 52.1 points per game and shooting a dismal 33.7% overall and 26.1% from beyond the arc. They are also averaging a high number of turnovers, 21.4 per game, and allowing their opponents to score 23.3 points off those turnovers. Senior guard Taleah Dilworth (13.9) is the only player on the team averaging in double figures in scoring.

Offensive Woes of Jackson State

The Tigers' offensive struggles are evident in their shooting percentages. Their 33.7% overall shooting and 26.1% three-point shooting percentages are well below average. This lack of scoring efficiency has been a major factor in their six-game losing streak. Their inability to convert shots and take care of the ball, with an average of 21.4 turnovers per game, has put them at a significant disadvantage. Taleah Dilworth has been their main source of scoring, but even her 13.9 points per game haven't been enough to turn their fortunes around.

Gophers' Homecoming

After a tough loss on the road, the Gophers are excited to be back at home. The Williams Arena provides them with a familiar and supportive environment that they hope will help them bounce back. Their recent performance against Nebraska was a wake-up call, and they know they need to step up their game in these final nonconference games. The return of Grace Grocholski, who has been scoring in double figures in six straight games, gives them a boost. Tori McKinney's consistent scoring in her starts also adds to their offensive firepower. With Mallory Heyer providing solid rebounding and some scoring, the Gophers are looking to turn things around and end the nonconference season on a high note.

Looking Ahead for Both Teams

For the Gophers, these final nonconference games are an opportunity to fine-tune their game and prepare for the Big Ten season. They need to address their defensive issues and find a way to limit opponents' scoring. On the other hand, the Jackson State Tigers are hoping to turn their season around with these games. They need to improve their shooting and ball-handling skills to become a more competitive team. Both teams will be giving it their all in this Wednesday's 7 p.m. showdown at Williams Arena, and it will be interesting to see how they perform.