Nov. 19, 2008

By Nic Hallisey
Athletic Media Relations

FORT COLLINS, Colo. --After beginning the 2008-09 season with a perfect 2-0 record, the Rams hope to continue their winning ways as they host Minnesota on Saturday night in one of the most anticipated games of the year.

Saturday marks the first time since 2003 that a Big Ten team has come to Moby Arena, and with it comes one of the biggest names among collegiate coaches, Tubby Smith. The first 2,000 fans on Saturday will receive a free "Timmy vs. Tubby" T-shirt, promoting the matchup between Smith and Rams Head Coach Tim Miles.

Smith, in his second season with the Gophers, has transformed a team that won just nine games the year before his arrival to finish last season with a 20-14 record. It was Smith's 15th-straight season with at least 20 wins. In 17 seasons of Division I coaching, Smith has built a strong resume, including nine Sweet Sixteen appearances, four trips to the Elite Eight, and a national championship in 1997-98 with the Kentucky Wildcats. His current record marks the sixth-best record among coaches in their first 17 years, and his 407-159 record and .719 winning percentage equals the 12th-highest among any collegiate coach in NCAA history. Smith was also an assistant coach to the 2000 U.S. Olympic gold medal winners.

The game, which will be televised live on the Mtn. and is being marketed as a Heavyweight Hoops Showdown, begins at 8 p.m., and doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday also features "Kids Night," with special benefits such as half-price youth tickets and special events before and after the game. CAM the Ram will be on the north concourse signing autographs for children before the game, and after the game, kids can shoot free throws on the court.

Tickets are still available for Saturday's big game and can be purchased over the phone at 1-800/491-RAMS, in person at the McGraw Athletic Center ticket office or online at CSURams.com. Partial ticket packages are still available for $50, which feature tickets to five exciting games this season and a free ticket to the Minnesota game.