Why the Gophers could win the Big Ten Tournament
The Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament will be here before you know it and it's the one tournament the Minnesota Gophers know they'll be playing in. How far they go is up to them, but is it all that crazy to think coach Ben Johnson's team, picked to finish last in the media preseason poll, can raise the conference trophy on March 17?
Minnesota just got pounded by Nebraska on Sunday so the timing for talking about them as a conference tournament contender isn't very good, but there is a very specific reason why the Gophers can't be counted out March 13-17: it's being played in Minneapolis.
At Target Center, the Gophers should have the crowd on their side every game they play. That could be a huge factor considering Big Ten teams have struggled on the road this season.
In fact, Purdue is the only team in the Big Ten with a winning record on the road, and even the No. 2 Boilermakers are just 6-3.
Illinois, Wisconsin, Northwestern and Nebraska, the teams placed second through fifth in the standings entering play Monday, are a combined 58-6 at home compared to 12-25 on the road.
Outside of Purdue, Big Ten teams aren't good in road games. It's really that simple and it's what could help the Gophers make a run in the Big Ten Tournament.
If the tournament started today, the Gophers would be the No. 7 seed and playing No. 10 Maryland. Minnesota defeated Maryland in their lone regular season meeting and if they were to win in this scenario, they would move on to face Illinois.
Whatever the case, if Minnesota gets a top-10 seed they'll get a bye to the second round and then with a win they'd likely be facing Purdue, Illinois, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Nebraska or Michigan State in the third round.
Minnesota almost won at Purdue, they have beaten Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan State, probably should've defeated Wisconsin, and they'll get their first test against Illinois on Tuesday.
Minnesota's only realistic shot at making the NCAA Tournament is winning the Big Ten Tournament because it's highly unlikely the selection committee will see enough value on their resume to invite them as an at-large bid.
It could happen, and it's why it shouldn't be too shocking if the Gophers are still playing for something special on Selection Sunday.
The Gophers huddle up during their game against Nebraska on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
Photo by Bjorn Franke, University of Minnesota
