Ohio State’s hottest start of the season had faded, and Minnesota could sense its chance at a Big Ten upset on Wednesday night at Value City Arena.
After trailing by as many as 15 points in the first half, the Golden Gophers had briefly taken a second-half lead and were still within three points of the Buckeyes.
That’s when eight seconds changed the game.
With Ohio State leading 45-42 with 13:55 remaining, Minnesota forward Jordan Murphy picked up his third foul as he tried to guard Marc Loving. The Buckeyes maintained possession, and when Murphy fouled Keita Bates-Diop with 13:47 left, it sent him to the bench with four fouls.