No. 8 Minnesota will have that lofty national ranking tested this week.

The Gophers play at No. 12 Illinois tonight and No. 5 Indiana on Saturday, after winning their first two Big Ten games at home.

Coach Tubby Smith said Tuesday that he wouldn't place extra emphasis on these contests. Smith says every game is important, whether for the development of the program, the development of the players or maintaining the momentum of this 14-1 start.

After this trip, the Gophers have a game against No. 2 Michigan waiting for them at home on Jan. 17.

NCAA Top-25 Basketball ("USA Today" Rankings)
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#1 Duke Blue Devils 68, Clemson Tigers 40
#11 Creighton Bluejays 91, Drake Bulldogs 61
#12 Missouri Tigers 84, Alabama Crimson Tide 68
#14 Ohio State Buckeyes 74, Purdue Boilermakers 64
Pittsburgh Panthers 73, #22 Georgetown Hoyas 45