Home sweet home: Gophers to host Cornhuskers at Williams Arena

Jan 26, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Gophers forward Trevor Mbakwe (32) looks to pass as his team plays the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 45-44. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

The No. 23 Golden Gophers have lost four straight games but will play four of their next five games at home as Minnesota will start the stretch against Nebraska Tuesday night at Williams Arena.

The Cornhuskers are 2-6 in the Big Ten with wins over Penn State and Northwestern but they have been blown out by every ranked team they’ve faced this season, including match ups against in-state rival Creighton and Ohio State.

But the Gophers will not take this game lightly as they desperately need a win against an inferior opponent.

History is on Minnesota’s side as the Gophers are 48-13 historically versus the Cornhuskers, including winning their last three games. Minnesota also has a 33-7 record at Williams Arena playing against Nebraska.

The Gophers have been on a slump offensively as they have failed to score more than 50 points in the last two losses to Northwestern and Wisconsin. In contrast, Minnesota scored 52 and 45 points in losses to Indiana and Michigan just a few weeks ago.

Tubby Smith enters the game with 118 career wins as a Gopher head coach. That ties him with Dan Monson for sixth-most on Gopher basketball history.

Game time is 8 p.m. CT and will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network or radio on 1500 ESPN.