NCAA BASKETBALL : Minnesota, Rutgers ride momentum into Big Ten tournament

Rutgers and Minnesota gear up for a Big Ten tournament clash in Chicago, with both teams riding momentum from strong finishes to their regular seasons. Scarlet Knights’ Tariq Francis and Golden Gophers’ resilient lineup will be key as they battle for a chance to extend their season.

FIELD LEVEL MEDIA / Reuters

March 11, 2026

NCAA BASKETBALL : Minnesota, Rutgers ride momentum into Big Ten tournament

Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Tariq Francis (0) shoots against Penn State Nittany Lions forward Josh Reed (10) during the first half at Jersey Mike's Arena on March 8, 2026.

Vincent Carchietta / Reuters

Moments after Rutgers’ regular season ended, coach Steve Pikiell turned his focus to the Big Ten tournament.

"A new season starts after this," Pikiell said. "We'll head to Chicago, and everyone has a chance."

Both teams have a legitimate opportunity to extend their seasons when No. 11 seed Minnesota (15-16) faces No. 14 seed Rutgers (13-18) on Wednesday night in second-round action in Chicago.

Minnesota comes into the tournament after a 67-66 win over Northwestern in its regular-season finale. The Golden Gophers won four of their last six games despite dealing with multiple injuries to key players.

Forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson (13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds per game) is expected to remain out of the conference tournament with a foot injury.

Golden Gophers coach Niko Medved expressed pride in his team for securing eight conference wins despite the challenges. Minnesota has relied on a six-man rotation for the last six games.

"I don't think people really understand what some of these guys had to do even to get to the court tonight to just play," Medved said after the win over Northwestern. "Not just play, but play the whole game. They're just warriors. To find a way to win again tonight is really incredible. I'm so proud of them.

"They've set a standard here that I hope will live on. I just have a feeling people will remember this group and this team."

Meanwhile, Rutgers looks to build on a strong finish to its regular season. The Scarlet Knights are coming off a 74-62 win over Penn State on Sunday, ending conference play with two wins in their last three games.

Pikiell said he was pleased with his team’s form heading into the Big Ten tournament. Tariq Francis (16.9 points per game) has led Rutgers in scoring in each of the last three games, while players such as freshman Lino Mark (5.4 points per game) have shown significant progress, averaging 13.5 points over the last six games.

"We've come a long way," Pikiell said. "I'm proud of them. They kept fighting through obstacles.

"It's a tough time in college sports when things aren't going your way — and all the distractions and nonsense they've had to deal with. They've stayed the course and gotten better."

-Field Level Media/Reuters