The Gophers started slow and weren’t able to come back from an early double-digit deficit in a 84-77 loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.
Michigan, winners in nine of its last 11 games, simply outlasted a Minnesota team that played only six guys. Akeem Springs, Minnesota’s captain, watched the game from the sidelines after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in Friday’s win over Michigan State.
Derek Walton Jr. led the Wolverines with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists.
All five Gophers starters scored in double figures with Nate Mason leading the way with 23 points.
Before losing to Michigan the Gophers were seeded a 5 by CBS Sports and a 6 by ESPN. The loss shouldn’t hurt Minnesota much, if any when the NCAA Tournament bracket is unveiled at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
