Gophers advance in NIT with one-point win over Butler

Elijah Hawkins fueled Minnesota with 11 points and 15 assists.

A late bucket from Dawson Garcia followed by a Parker Fox steal that led to two free throws by Elijah Hawkins gave the Minnesota Gophers just enough to clip Butler 73-72 in the opening round of NIT Tuesday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. 

Minnesota trailed 72-69 with 39 seconds to play before Garcia, who finished with 25 points, scored on a left-handed driving layup to make it 72-71 with 22 seconds remaining. The Gophers didn't foul and and DJ Davis' pass was stolen by Fox with 13 seconds on the clock, and with five seconds left Hawkins was fouled under the hoop. 

The junior guard hit both free throws and Butler's final shot hit the back of the rim. 

Hawkins finished with 11 points, 15 assists, six rebounds and three steals. 

Minnesota will play in the second round this weekend against the winner of Wednesday night's game between No. 1 Indiana State and SMU.

Pharrel Payne scored 11 points, Fox had 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting off the bench and Cam Christie had 10 points with five rebounds and six assists.  

Ohio State and Iowa also advanced out of the first round of the NIT to represent the Big Ten. 

Cam Christie projected as 2024 first-round pick in reputable mock draft

Butler Bulldogs forward Jalen Thomas (1) attempts to steal the ball away from Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Pharrel Payne (21) during the first half of an NCAA/NIT game, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Hinkle Fieldhouse on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis :: © Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK