Minnesota has lost two straight Big Ten games and three conference matchups overall this season, including a 30-point rout.

	Lindsay Whalen and Minnesota (15-3) went 11-0 in nonconference action this season.

But don't be fooled. The Golden Gophers are the best team in the Big Ten, and one of the most versatile teams in the country.

Minnesota gained national attention last season, posting one of the nation's best turnarounds. After going 8-20 in 2000-01, the Gophers went 22-8 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2002. Minnesota produced the Big Ten Player of the Year (Lindsay Whalen) and the consensus national coach of the year (Brenda Frese).

But then Frese departed during the offseason, heading to Maryland and leaving Minnesota behind after just one year. Though the Gophers returned their entire starting lineup, critics wondered if Minnesota would maintain its high level of play.

First-year head coach Pam Borton has silenced all doubters, and in fact, has helped make Minnesota even better. Through Monday, the Gophers were shooting 54 percent from the field, which leads the nation. Their offensive balance and constantly changing defenses have befuddled opponents since the season opened in November.

While it's no secret that Borton inherited a great group of players, she deserves credit for coming in and continuing to elevate her program, much like NFL coach Jon Gruden has done in Tampa Bay. The tremendous talent was already at Minnesota, but Borton has been successful because she knew what to do with it.

One of Minnesota's biggest strengths is its versatility. The Gophers are very hard to guard and are the type of team opponents really struggle to get a solid handle on because they have such great balance.

Whalen, who is easily one of the top 10 players in the country this season, has continued to be Minnesota's superstar. She leads the team in scoring (22.9 points per game) and field-goal percentage (60.6), has dished out a Big Ten-best 127 assists and also ranks among the conference leaders in rebounds (5.3 a game).

Whalen, however, is hardly Minnesota's only weapon. While she can penetrate very effectively, Whalen's drives to the basket also open up things for the Gophers' great shooters on the wing, including reserve Shannon Schonrock (36.4 percent from 3-point range) and Lindsay Lieser (34.9 percent).

Corrin Von Wald probably benefits the most from Whalen's moves. Von Wald, a popular target when Whalen finds herself double- and triple-teamed, is shooting 66.7 percent from beyond the arc (14-for-21) and 53.9 percent from the field. She averages 15.2 points and ranks among the league leaders in steals (55).

Despite being a bit undersized, Minnesota is just as dangerous inside. Janell McCarville, a 6-foot-2 post, leads the way, shooting 67 percent from the field. McCarville is very difficult to guard. She can run the floor, shoot the face-up, pass and screen. McCarville, who ranks third on the team with an 11.3 scoring average, also is very active and a very good rebounder.

Forward Kadidja Andersson, another starter, is sinking 54.2 percent of her shots from the field.

Offensively, Minnesota loves the transition game and to push the tempo, resulting in 84 points per game. But the Gophers' defense is equally impressive, allowing just 66 points a night. They run zones, and even man-press you a little bit to keep you off balance.

And that's all because of Borton. Remember, she was willing to take over a team that was facing NCAA sanctions, and a school that was getting a new athletic director. There was a lot of uncertainty.

Now, however, two things are certain: The Big Ten is a lot tougher conference this season. And player for player, Minnesota is the best team in the league.

Nancy Lieberman, an ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's basketball coverage. Contact her at www.nancylieberman.com.