Big Ten Finally Loses a Game; Florida Beats Minnesota

Another Big Ten team finally lost, and as a result the SEC will have one team in the Sweet 16 after Florida’s 14-point victory over Minnesota Sunday night in South Regional action. Wisconsin is the only other Big Ten team to have lost in the tournament, as the conference was 10-2 pending the result of Illinois’ game against Miami. If Illinois wins, the Big Ten would tie the Big East’s record of five teams in the Sweet 16 (2009 and 2011).

The Gophers did not start off playing badly, but it was not enough as they simply could not stop the vaunted Gator offense. The Gophers were down 21 at the half after surrendering 48 points to Florida, but did tighten the score before falling 78-64.

The Gophers shot better from 3 point range (44%) than overall (40%). The Gators, however, shot 50% from 3 point land and 56% overall.

Rutgers transfer Mike Rosario led the Gators with 25, while Erik Murphy added 15.

Andre Hollins led the Gophers with 25.

Florida will now play heated in-state rival Florida Gulf Coast in the Sweet 16.

For more details on Florida’s first half explosion, see the AP story by clicking here.