Badgers Win in Overtime
January 21, 2017

The promise of a successful Big Ten season for the University of Minnesota men’s basketball team was diminished by an overtime home loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, 78-76.

Wisconsin stalwart Bronson Koening’s basket with 44 seconds remaining in overtime provided the margin of victory. Minnesota’s Akeem Springs’ shot bounced off the rim as time expired.

Springs’ three-point basket had tied the game at 67 to force the overtime period.

Wisconsin front liners Ethan Happ and Nigel Hayes combined for 49 points, most of which occurred in the paint after backing down Minnesota’s Reggie Lynch, Jordan Murphy, and Bakery Konate. The Badgers had 40 shots in the paint (to Minnesota’s 20). Lynch fouled out, and Murphy and Konate were ineffective. Offensively, the Gopher trio could only manage a total of 14 points.

Minnesota coach Richard Pitino didn’t allow double-teaming Happ, who at one point scored 14 consecutive points, because he feared the accuracy of Koenig and Badger three-point shooters Zak Showalter and D’mitrik Trice.

On the winning shot, Pitino said, “We couldn’t have guarded Koenig any better, but good players make great plays. I can’t gripe about that. The Badgers are a tough cover.”

Wisconsin coach Greg Gard praised his players for “gutting out” the victory. He indicated Koenig is always “our number one option at crunch time.”

Amir Coffey led the Gophers with 19 points. First-time starter Springs added 16 points, and the player he replaced, DuPree McBrayer, scored 14.

The Gophers continued their slide after reaching Top 25 status and next face Ohio State at Columbus. The Buckeyes are still smarting after a loss to Minnesota at Williams Arena on January 8.

“We can only get better,” a hopeful Pitino said.