MINNEAPOLIS -- Neither the Maryland Terrapins or Minnesota Gopher men's basketball teams knew quite what to expect coming into this season. Both teams were hopeful an influx of new talent would lead to a strong Big Ten season and an NCAA tournament appearance.
For Maryland, it was building on the Sweet 16 appearance from last year and replacing four starters. Three freshmen would be counted on to complement junior Melo Trimble after he spurned the NBA for another year with the Terrapins.
Minnesota was trying to rebuild the program after one of the worst seasons in school history at 8-23.