In a thrilling showdown at the United Center in Chicago, 14th-seeded Rutgers pulled off a comeback victory over 11th-seeded Minnesota, clinching a 72-67 win in the Second Round of the 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament.
Minnesota's Cade Tyson was a standout, pouring in 24 points and adding 15 rebounds to his impressive stat line. Grayson Grove contributed with 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his all-around game. Despite their efforts, the Gophers couldn't hold off a determined Rutgers squad.
The Gophers seemed in control, leading 52-47 with just under ten minutes left. But Rutgers had other plans, launching a decisive 13-2 run that shifted the momentum and put them in command.
Tyson was efficient, hitting 9-of-13 from the field, including 3-of-7 from deep, and perfect from the line. This marked his 15th game of the season scoring over 20 points, cementing his place in Minnesota's history books with 609 points this season, ranking seventh all-time for the Gophers.
While Tyson shone, he had support from teammates like Durkin, who connected on 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, adding four rebounds and four assists. Grove was sharp as well, making 5-of-7 shots. Isaac Asuma chipped in nine points and three assists, while Langston Reynolds led the team with eight assists and seven rebounds.
Minnesota shot a solid 52.1% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range, but their 15 turnovers proved costly. Rutgers capitalized with a 17-8 advantage in points off turnovers and edged out Minnesota 27-26 on the boards.
Rutgers' Tariq Francis was a force, leading all scorers with 29 points. Jamichael Davis added 13 points and six assists, while Emmanuel Ogbole contributed 10 points and seven rebounds. The Scarlet Knights shot 46.3% overall and were particularly sharp from distance, hitting 43.5% of their threes.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start. Minnesota opened with a quick lead, but Rutgers responded with a seven-point run. The Gophers battled back, and the first half ended with Minnesota holding a narrow 31-29 lead.
In the second half, Tyson started strong with a three-pointer, but Rutgers' Francis quickly tied it up. The teams exchanged blows, trading six straight three-pointers in a thrilling sequence that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite Minnesota's efforts to regain control, Rutgers' late surge proved too much. The Scarlet Knights closed the game strong, setting up a matchup with UCLA in the next round.
This game was a classic example of tournament basketball-intense, unpredictable, and full of standout performances. While Minnesota heads home, Rutgers moves forward, carrying the momentum of a hard-fought victory.