The Minnesota Golden Gophers may not have made the "big dance," but if they were disappointed it hasn't shown in an impressive run in the NIT that culminates tonight in the tourney's championship game against Southern Methodist (5:30, WJON).

The Gophers began their run with wins over High Point, St. Mary's and Southern Miss at Williams Arena before a semifinal win Tuesday against Florida State at Madison Square Garden.

Southern Methodist's tourney run included wins against UC Irvine, LSU, Cal and Clemson.

More From 1390 Granite City Sports