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Minnesota Gophers win game by getting ball stuck in rim (Video)

Apr 3, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Andre Hollins (1) celebrates with head coach Richard Pitino after defeating the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the 2014 NIT Tournament championship game at Madison Square Garden. The Golden Gophers won 65-63. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Andre Hollins (1) celebrates with head coach Richard Pitino after defeating the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the 2014 NIT Tournament championship game at Madison Square Garden. The Golden Gophers won 65-63. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

By hook or by crook the Minnesota Gophers pulled off the victory over Purdue thanks to a ball that got stuck in the rim. 


There are many ways to win a basketball game. Saturday, the Minnesota Golden Gophers came away with a new and unlikely format for winning. Having a two-point with time running down, Minnesota needed to make a shot to ice Purdue and put the game away or Purdue would get one last crack at tying the game or retaking the lead.

What followed was unlike anything else.

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Joey King attempted an off-balanced floater to try to put the game out of reach but the shot bounced around the rim. However, center Elliot Eliason was in good position to put the ball back in the hoop and put the game away for Minnesota.

The ball didn’t go in — actually it wound up going nowhere and stuck to the rim.

By rule the possession stayed with Minnesota as they had the luck of the possession arrow on their side. They would make subsequent free throws to win.

It’s a tough way to lose for Purdue who fought so hard to stage a rally and almost did late in the game.

Both of these teams stand at 15-9 after today’s game and neither can afford any more losses if they want a shot at March Madness.

Having the ball stick to the rim is certainly a different way for a game to end, and it’s one that we’re all going to try in our next rec league game.

[H/T: Vinnyviner]

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