The Spartans (17-1 overall, 6-0 Big Ten) are the last undefeated Big Ten team remaining in conference play, something the Gophers will have in mind as they look to protect their home court.

With an undefeated conference record, .944 winning percentage (tied for third nationally) and 15 consecutive matches won, MSU volleyball currently is off to its best season start since 1996.

Minnesota hasn’t lived up to its preseason No. 2 Big Ten ranking, dropping two of its last four matches to Nebraska and Penn State.

But the Gophers are coached by Hugh McCutcheon, who coached USA Volleyball and led the US team to a gold medal in 2008. He took Minnesota to a 27-8 record and Elite Eight finish in 2012.

The Gophers are led by senior middle blocker Tori Dixon, who is second to senior middle blocker Alexis Mathews in the Big Ten with a hitting percentage of .453.

Somewhat unusually for a middle blocker, Dixon also is a capable and frequent kill-getter. She is fourth in the Big Ten in kills per set with 4.23.

She will be a point of emphasis for the Spartan defense as MSU looks to remain undefeated in Big Ten play.

“It’s kind of hard to lead the team in kills from that position because you can get out of system,” head coach Cathy George said. “But she does just that. She’s very good, and you keep her in the back row to attack.”

The nationally-televised ESPN2 match will air tonight at 8 p.m.