Dawson Garcia #3 celebrates with Cam Christie #24 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second half at Williams Arena on February 03, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Wildcats 75-66 in … (David Berding / Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team is headed to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT).
The Gophers will face the Butler Bulldogs in the first round of the NIT Tuesday night in Indianapolis. As a lower seed, the Gophers won't get the opportunity to host a home game in the first round.
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Henry Lake talks NCAA Tournament, Gophers in NIT
Sunday night on FOX 9 Sports Now, Ahmad Hicks sat down with WCCO Radio's Henry Lake to talk about the NCAA Tournament and the Gophers getting a bid to the NIT.
The Gophers exceeded expectations this season – albeit low expectations – finishing the year 18-14 and 9-11 in conference play. But, the team lost its first game in the Big Ten Tournament, getting knocked out by Michigan State. Minnesota's 18 wins are the most in a regular season under Ben Johnson in three years,, and the nine Big Ten wins exceed his first two seasons combined.
"We’re really excited to be invited into the prestigious NIT," Johnson said. "It’s a great opportunity for our team to continue to build, grow, get better and compete. Our guys are excited and looking forward to preparing for it this week. It’s the next great step for our program, and we're ready to get back on the court."
The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.