Multiple chances to get their first Big Ten win of the season were squandered in loss to Buckeyes
Minnesota dropped 0-4 in Big Ten play as they were unable to put away Ohio State in regulation or the first overtime period, losing 89-88 in double OT. The Gophers led 73-30 with 9 seconds remaining in the first overtime, but missed free throws and a costly Kadyn Betts foul gave live to Ohio State and the Buckeyes put Minnesota away in the second overtime period.
THE STAT: It was a tight game for the full 50 minutes, these two teams changed leads 24 times and were tied at 10 different times. But Minnesota going 5/11 from the free throw line in both overtime periods, 12/17 overall, is a sure-fire way to ensure you do not win a Big Ten basketball game.
TURNING POINT: The Betts foul at the end of the first OT was the beginning of the end for Minnesota, see more below.
HOT: Isaac Asuma may have had his breakout game as a Gopher, leading the Gophers in an 89-88 double-OT loss to Ohio State. The freshman scored 18 points, hitting 3 of 4 from three and showed a new level of confidence on the floor. This was a fantastic game for Asuma.
NOT: Dawson Garcia did not have a great night. The Gopher’s best player was in foul trouble, struggled to score and played only 29 minutes. He finished with just 5 points and most notably missed two free throws with 1:43 remaining in regulation with the game tied at 64 and he fouled out of the game with five seconds remaining in regulation.
GOOD MOVE: In the final 10 seconds of OT, Asuma made his second free throw to put the Gophers up by 3 points. Mike Mitchell Jr. quickly fouled John Mobley Jr., not allowing the Buckeyes an opportunity to tie the game with a three. Mobley made just 1 of 2 and Minnesota was fouled again with 4 seconds left and an opportunity for Mitchell to ice the game for the Gophers.
BAD MOVE: Mitchell missed BOTH free throws and Minnesota was up 73-71. Ohio State secured the rebound and was immediately fouled by Betts. Inexcusably, Betts gave the Buckeyes a chance to tie the game from the free-throw line. Mobley made both and sent the game into double overtime, where Minnesota quickly fell behind by eight and were unable to recover.
UP NEXT: Minnesota heads to Madison on Friday to take on the Badgers.