The second round of the Big Ten Tournament continues when the 14-seed Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-21, 13-15-2 ATS, 3-17 Big Ten) take on the 6-seed Maryland Terrapins (20-11, 20-11 ATS, 11-9 Big Ten). Minnesota upset the 11-seed Nebraska to get here, winning 78-75 in the first round as 5.5-point underdogs. In Maryland's last game they lost on the road to Penn State 65-64, but covered as 3.5-point underdogs. These teams met twice this season with Maryland winning both games, they won by 35 on the road, and by 18 on their home floor. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 ET from the United Center in Chicago and can be found on the Big Ten Network. The winner of this game advances to play the 3-seed Indiana on Friday.
Minnesota came to Chicago as the lowest seed in the tournament, but found a way to upset the Nebraska Cornhuskers on the opening day. Minnesota controlled the majority of the game, leading by as many as 11. The Gophers shot well from the field, they made 51.9% of their field goals and 41.7% of their threes. Minnesota had four players in double figures, led by Dawson Garcia with 18 points and 13 rebounds in the win.
Survive and advance. ??#B1GMBBT x @B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/9MlaBSK7Gl
— Minnesota on BTN (@MinnesotaOnBTN) March 9, 2023
Garcia is a 6'11 forward who leads the team in scoring and rebounding with 15.7 PPG and 6.8 RPG. Garcia can score on the inside, but has the ability to knock down perimeter jump shots as well, he made 30 threes on the season. Jamison Battle is the top shooter on the team, he made 59 threes on the year and is the second leading scorer with 12.8 PPG. Battle had 13 points against Nebraska before he fouled out. Ta'lon Cooper is their top ball-handler, he is 2nd in the conference in assists with 6.3 per game, and also adds 10.0 PPG. Pharrell Payne is an athletic 6'9 freshman who attacks the rim, he leads the team in free throw attempts and adds 7.9 PPG.
Minnesota is ranked 216th overall by KenPom, which is last in the Big Ten. The Gophers rank 232nd in adjusted offensive efficiency and 185th in defensive efficiency. Due to their poor play all season, Minnesota would need to win the conference tournament to advance to the Big Dance.
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