Gopher men crack top 25 for first time since 2017

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team is currently No. 21 in the Associated Press poll released today. The poll marks the first time since Dec. 10, 2017 that the Golden Gophers have been ranked.

In all, nine Big Ten teams are currently ranked within the AP’s top 25. Wisconsin is ranked No. 6, followed by Iowa at No. 10. Rutgers (No. 14), Illinois (No. 15), Michigan (No. 16), Michigan State (No. 17), Northwestern (No. 19), the Gophers (tied at No. 21) and Ohio State (No. 25) are all ranked in the top 25. Minnesota’s last nonconference opponent, Saint Louis, is also receiving votes. Overall, Minnesota is 8-5 under head coach Richart Pitino when ranked and 1-3 in Big Ten play.

The Gophers are coming off an overtime victory against then-No. 4 Iowa Christmas night. It marked the second overtime win of the season. It was also the first win over a top 5 team since Dec. 15, 2019 when the Gophers defeated No. 3 Ohio State 84-71. Brandon Johnson made all four his 3-point attempts in overtime and finished with 26 points and nine rebounds. Marcus Carr had 30 points on 6-for-13 shooting from 3-point range and eight assists, and Liam Robbins added 18 points and four blocks for the Gophers. Trailing seven points with 44 seconds left in regulation, the Gophers outscored the Hawkeyes 29-15 the remainder of the game.

Minnesota plays the No. 16 Spartans tonight at Williams Arena. Game time is set for 7 p.m., and televised on BTN.

Brandon Johnson Photo courtesy of U of M Athletics