Minneapolis, MN (My Sportsbook) - The 24th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers are heavily favored in tonight's non-conference home clash with the Utah Valley State Wolverines.

Utah Valley State is a member of the Great West Conference, competing against the likes of Houston Baptist and NJIT, so tonight's contest should not be used as a barometer of the club's ability. The Wolverines have split their two games played thus far, as they knocked off North Dakota State at home before falling to Cal State Bakersfield by a 58-51 final on the road two days ago.

As for Minnesota, it has cruised to victory in both of its games thus far, as Tubby Smith's team has yet to face a legitimate test. After disposing of Tennessee Tech by 37 points in the opener, the Golden Gophers pounded Stephen F. Austin in an 82-42 final on Monday. With Butler and most likely UCLA on deck, the level of competition will increase dramatically for Minnesota.

Minnesota and Utah Valley State are unfamiliar opponents, as tonight's game marks their first-ever meeting.

Utah Valley State struggled offensively against Cal State Bakersfield last time out, as the Wolverines finished with just seven assists against 16 turnovers and shot 38.8 percent from the floor, including 2-of-12 from three- point range. All of the negatives overshadowed the fact that the team limited its opponent to 32.3 percent field goal efficiency. Utah Valley State was paced by Justin Baker, who was the only player on his team to reach double figures in scoring. Baker finished with 10 points, and Tyray Petty added nine points and 11 rebounds. Baker scored 19 points in the season-opening victory over North Dakota State, and teammate Jordan Swarbrick led the way in that contest with 20 points and nine rebounds.

In the 40-point victory over Stephen F. Austin, Minnesota connected on 54.7 percent of its field goal attempts, including a stellar 11-of-19 effort from three-point range. The Golden Gophers shot 13-of-14 from the foul line and finished with 21 assists. They also earned a 34-26 rebounding advantage and limited their overmatched opponents to 30.6 percent field goal efficiency. Lawrence Westbrook and Devoe Joseph paced a balanced attack with 15 points apiece. Rodney Williams was close behind with 14 points, and Damian Johnson added 11 points. Westbrook has hit 7-of-12 three-pointers through two games, and he leads the team with 18.5 ppg. He has the ability to contend for Big Ten Player of the Year honors and is certainly the go-to guy for the Gophers at the offensive end.