March 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Isaac Asma (1) works around Northwestern Wildcats guard Angelo Ciaravino (44) during the first half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Immediately after his team’s regular season ended, Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell turned his attention to the Big Ten tournament.
“After this, a new season begins,” Pikiell said. “We’re going to Chicago, and everyone will have a chance.”
Both teams will have a legitimate chance to extend their seasons when 11th-seeded Minnesota (15-16) tips off 14th-seeded Rutgers (13-18) in a second-round game Wednesday night in Chicago.
Minnesota won 67-66 against Northwestern in the regular season finale. The Golden Gophers finished the regular season with four wins in their last six games despite suffering multiple injuries to key players.
Forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson (13.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg) is expected to remain with Minnesota for the conference tournament due to a foot injury.
Golden Gophers coach Niko Medved said he was proud of his players for winning eight conference games despite facing adversity due to numerous injuries throughout the season. They have relied on a six-man rotation over the past six games.
“I don’t think people even understand what we had to do to go on the court and play tonight,” Medved said after the win over NU. “Don’t just play, play the whole game. They’re just warriors, so to find a way to come back and win here tonight is really, really amazing. I’m really proud of them.
“They really set a standard that I want to continue to maintain. I know that will happen as we continue to build this program. I have a feeling people will remember this group and this team.”
Meanwhile, Rutgers will look to end the regular season on a positive note. The Scarlet Knights wrapped up conference play with two wins in their last three games, posting a 74-62 win over Penn State on Sunday.
Pikiell also said he was pleased with his team’s status heading into the Big Ten tournament. Tariq Francis (16.9 ppg) has led the Scarlet Knights in scoring in all three games, but players like freshman Lino Mark (5.4 ppg) have made notable strides. Mark has averaged 13.5 points over his last six games.
“We’ve come a long way,” Pikiell said. “I’m proud of them. They overcame some obstacles and kept fighting.
“Even in college sports, it’s a tough time when things don’t go your way. And all the distractions and all the crazy things they’ve had to deal with. They’ve stayed the course. They’ve gotten better.”
–Field level media
