Minneapolis, MN – In a game the Minnesota Golden Gophers absolutely needed to get back on the NCAA tournament track, they lead for all but less than a minute, only to be stunned by a 10-1 run to end the game, that was capped off by a Darryl Morsell three-point field goal with 1.9 seconds left in the contest. Maryland had been trailing by as many as 17, and while the importance of the game was not to equal to Minnesota’s, it helps the Terrapins stay atop the Big Ten. The winning Terrapins had 5 players in double figures, with Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Smith both leading the team with 16 points. Anthony Cowan, although he had a rough night shooting the ball going 2/15 overall, and 0/8 from three, he provided 9 assists and 3 steals.
With this game likely being the last opportunity to pick up a resume-boosting win that could move the Gophers towards the bubble, the loss was taken very hard. “Different levels of devastation. It’s been very, very difficult. We could have won all three of them,” Minnesota Head Coach Richard Pitino said of the recent trend of losing close games. “I feel for our guys. They’re playing hard,”
Maryland will play Michigan State on Saturday in a game that will be featured on ESPN’s College Gameday. The Terrapins with a win in that game have a chance to lock up a Big Ten regular-season title. Minnesota’s road doesn’t get any easier as they will play at Wisconsin and at Indiana this upcoming week.
Bracketology Effect: Maryland maintains its position as the top two seed when it comes to Bracketology. This means they still have a chance at a one seed come NCAA Tournament time. Minnesota remains out of the NCAA Tournament mix.
Betting Effect: Covered: Maryland +1 Over 134