This isn't the Minnesota men's basketball team of old.

The Golden Gophers (19-7, 7-6 Big Ten) have been among the feel-good stories in college basketball this season, improving their win total from eight last season to 19 against one of the nation's toughest schedules. Michigan (17-9, 7-6) will try to halt that momentum when it travels to play Minnesota on Sunday (7 p.m., BTN) at Williams Arena.

"This team has paid its dues and they’ve really come together," U-M coach John Beilein said on a conference call today.

Minnesota stands out on defense, allowing opponents to shoot just 39.3% from the field and 30% from three-point range, an inside-out combination that is unmatched in the Big Ten this year.

That should make it interesting for the Wolverines' potent offense, ranked 10th nationally in efficiency by

Minnesota blocks 6.8 shots per game and has 20 more total blocks more than any team in the league, led by 6-foot-10 center Reggie Lynch.

"For some reason (our guys) think that getting their shot blocked is one of the worst things that can ever happen so they get very shy," Beilein said. "'It's not going to be the end of your life if you get your shot blocked. You have to go up strong, use you shot fakes. You can't be weak going to the rim' was my message."

Minnesota's other defensive component comes on the perimeter, where 6-foot-8 freshman Amir Coffey's long reach can frustrate opponents. Beilein compared him to "a young Tayshaun Prince." The Gophers also have guard speed and contain well on the perimeter.

The challenge for Michigan going the other way is trying define Minnesota's offense.

Much like the Wolverines, there isn't one dominant player to defend as five Golden Gophers average at least 10 points.

Handling point guard Nate Mason may be the biggest challenge. Like Michigan's Derrick Walton Jr., he has the ability to drive but also step back and hit the three. Beilein compared him to his best point guard, former Wolverine Trey Burke.

The game begins one of the toughest finishing stretches of any team in the Big Ten, as U-M plays four of the final five on the road. The game at home is against first-place Purdue. Michigan's last road game, at Indiana, was its first road win of the season.

"Just sustaining in the second half when the home team makes a run, whether it’s at 16 minutes, 12 minutes, eight," Beilein said. "The importance of a box out on a rebound, the importance of running a good inbounds play, up 8 with 12 to go. That could be the turning point in a game, I think we understand that a little bit more, Because once the home team goes on a roll, it’s hard to stop it."

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