Minnesota notched its second Big Ten win of the season and snapped a 12-game losing streak in stunning fashion on Thursday.
The Golden Gophers erased a 10-point deficit in the final minute to shock Rutgers at the buzzer in Minneapolis. Jamison Battle hit his sixth three-pointer of the game to earn a 75-74 victory.
Battle scored 20 points to lead Minnesota on the night.
The win moved Minnesota to 2-16 in Big Ten play and dropped Rutgers to 10-9 while seriously damaging the Scarlet Knights’ chances of making the NCAA Tournament.
“Here is the problem with Rutgers resume right now… 4 bad L’s – the worst of any team in the field 4-8 R/N – 2nd worst of any team in the field Strength of Record: worst in the field NCSOS: worst in the field 2-5 since Mag injury,” said noted bracketologist Brad Wachtel.
“Rutgers blows a 10 point lead with 1:15 remaining against the worst team in the Big Ten. Suddenly, its third consecutive NCAA Tournament bid is in doubt,” said NJ.com’s Brian Fonseca.
“This one goes down in infamy,” said Gannett New Jersey’s Jerry Carino.
“HOLY GOD MINNESOTA JUST BEAT RUTGERS AT THE BUZZER IT’S MARCH,” said CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander.
Rutgers will close out its regular season Sunday night against Northwestern.
The Scarlet Knights will likely need to win that game and potentially win a game in the Big Ten Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament.