Minnesota loses to Rutgers in OT 77-70

Minnesota ended its regular season with a loss to Rutgers at Williams Arena in overtime. The Gophers finish 13-14 on the season, 6-14 in Big Ten, and a seven game losing streak. Brandon Johnson led all Minnesota scorers with 19 points.

Today’s game functioned as a lovely metaphor for the season. The Gophers jumped out to a small early lead, saw the game fall apart as Rutgers finished the half on 15-5 to take a 37-28 lead into the locker room. Minnesota clawed back slowly but surely in the second half, and with under a minute remaining Marcus Carr made yet another three pointer to send the game into overtime. That was Carr’s only made field goal of the day. In overtime, Minnesota’s shooting woes returned and Rutgers capped off the win with free throws.

So it goes.

There were many negatives to this game, but listing them feels gratuitous and unnecessary. Instead, I’ll end the regular season recaps with quick notes on the two seniors who played in the game.

Brandon Johnson had an excellent senior day. In addition to 19 points, the forwarded picked up 11 rebounds to have a double double. Johnson was an excellent transfer addition to the program, and still has one more year of eligibility left. The next coach at Minnesota should try desperately to get him to return.

Eric Curry was able to play in his senior day game. That alone is an accomplishment for a player snakebit by injuries during his career.

Minnesota expects to see Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament.