2017-2018 B1G Preview: Ohio State, Maryland will duel to the end

HARTFORD, CT - DECEMBER 19: Ohio State's Guard Kelsey Mitchell (3) drives around UConn Huskies Guard Crystal Dangerfield (5) during the second half a women's NCAA division 1 basketball game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the UConn Huskies on December 19, 2016, at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by David Hahn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT - DECEMBER 19: Ohio State's Guard Kelsey Mitchell (3) drives around UConn Huskies Guard Crystal Dangerfield (5) during the second half a women's NCAA division 1 basketball game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the UConn Huskies on December 19, 2016, at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by David Hahn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD – FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Marlene Stollings of the Minnesota Golden Gophers watches the game against the Maryland Terrapins at the Xfinity Center on February 28, 2016 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Marlene Stollings of the Minnesota Golden Gophers watches the game against the Maryland Terrapins at the Xfinity Center on February 28, 2016 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

Last year’s record: 15-16, 5-11 B1G

Key Returns:

Kenisha Bell: 16.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.9 APG

Biggest Losses:

Whitney Tinjum: 6.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG

Key Non-Conference Games: 

Boston College: 11/19

Georgetown: 12/7

Rachel Banham was the biggest star since possibly Linsday Whalen to leave her mark on the program. But the Gophers needs to attract a star like those two legends, or Amanda Zahui B, to return to prominence. Kenishia Bell averaged 16.1 PPG last season, which can be their saving grace, but they will definitely need another piece to contend.