The Gophers began the season strong with an 8-3 nonconference record, but struggled with a 0-6 start in Big Ten play. With a 15-14 overall record and a 7-11 mark in conference play, they have just two regular-season games left. The next month could prove to be one of the most critical and action-packed stretches for the program in recent years.
Big Ten Tournament Outlook
Minnesota’s chances of securing a spot in the Big Ten Tournament received a major boost with their recent win over Nebraska. While every team in the conference has two games left, the Gophers now hold a one-game lead over Iowa and USC, both of whom they have tiebreakers against.
The Gophers’ best possible finish is the 10th seed, meaning they will play in the opening round on Wednesday, unless something unexpected happens. They’ve performed well against the lower half of the Big Ten, securing victories over USC, Nebraska, Iowa, and Penn State, with a narrow loss to Ohio State. Given their solid performance away from home, their chances of advancing could be promising.
Mike Mitchell Jr.’s Struggles
After missing seven of Minnesota’s first nine games due to an ankle injury, Mike Mitchell Jr. came back strong, averaging 16.8 points in his first four games. However, his form has dropped off since then.
In the last 16 games, Mitchell has scored more than 10 points only four times, and he has been held scoreless in the last two games. He is averaging just 7.5 points per game over this stretch. With Brennan Rigsby coming off a career-high 20-point game, it’s worth considering whether Mitchell should come off the bench.
Frank Mitchell vs. Parker Fox
Frank Mitchell had a season-best 15 points and 12 rebounds against USC, and in the last five games, he’s averaged 7.8 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 64.3% from the field in just 19.4 minutes per game.
In contrast, Parker Fox has averaged 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds, shooting 72.7% from the field in 15.2 minutes per game during the same stretch. Mitchell has seemingly taken over Fox’s spot in the closing lineup, but it may be time for him to earn a place in the starting five.
NIT/College Basketball Crown Chances
In the first season of the College Basketball Crown, the Big Ten’s top two teams outside of the NCAA Tournament’s field, according to the National Evaluation Tool (NET), will automatically be invited. While it seems unlikely Minnesota will secure a bid, their five Quad 1 wins give them a noteworthy resume for one of the 10 at-large spots.
What Would a Win Against Wisconsin on Senior Night Mean?
Minnesota’s final home game of the season is likely to be an emotional one, as seniors Dawson Garcia, Parker Fox, Mike Mitchell Jr., and several others will play their last game at The Barn. The Gophers will face off against their biggest rival, Wisconsin, which comes into the game ranked No. 12.
Head coach Ben Johnson has never beaten Wisconsin in his four years with Minnesota. A win would give him his third victory over a ranked opponent at home this season and his sixth Quad 1 win overall. It would be another significant achievement in a season full of them for Johnson, but the bigger question is whether it will serve as a final statement or momentum heading into the 2025-26 season.
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