Gophers (8-22, 2-16 Big Ten): The next time the Gophers lose, they will set a program record for most defeats in a season, topping the 22 losses in 2006-07 in Dan Monson's last year. The Gophers wrapped up the regular season Saturday with a 75-52 loss at Rutgers, giving the Scarlet Knights their first conference victory in 32 games. The Gophers won only two conference games for the first time since 1986-87 and only eight games overall for the first time since 1982-83. The Gophers are down to five scholarship players and three walk-ons after dismissing one (Carlos Morris), suspending three (Kevin Dorsey, Nate Mason and Dupree McBrayer) and an injury to senior Joey King. King, who sat out the finale vs. Rutgers after fracturing his right foot in the team's previous game against Wisconsin, was officially ruled out for the tournament on Monday.
Illinois (13-18, 5-13): The Illini finished with a double-overtime loss at Penn State, 86-79, but star guard Malcolm Hill had a career game, finishing with 39 points and 13 rebounds. Hill, who was named to the All-Big Ten second team, leads Illinois with 18.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game and is third among league scoring leaders.
AMELIA RAYNO
