The second half of the Big Ten schedule started Sunday, and it could not have been more discouraging for the Gophers.
Minnesota got Cade Tyson back from a one-game absence but failed to keep last-place Penn State winless in conference play in a 77-75 defeat at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.
Nittany Lions freshman Kayden Mingo hit the game winner from five feet out with one second remaining.
Gophers head coach Nick Medved used a full-court press to help Minnesota get back in the game, but Minnesota (10-12, 3-7 Big Ten) has now lost seven straight.
Penn State (10-12, 1-10) used a 9-0 run to take a 68-58 lead with six minutes left, but Minnesota answered back with a 12-2 run to cut the lead to 71-70.
The Gophers trailed 36-23 during the first half and 41-31 at the break. Minnesota shot 22 percent from 3-point range, including Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Isaac Asuma and Tyson combining to go 0 for 12 from deep.
But head coach Niko Medved took more issues with the U’s defense in the first half, with the Nittany Lions able to shoot 48% from the field and 42% from deep.
Josh Reed scored 16 points and made all four treys he attempted in the opening 20 minutes, while Freddie Dilione added 13 off an ability to create open shots.
Tyson returned from a one-game absence due to an ankle injury suffered in the 76-57 loss to Nebraska last weekend. He missed the 67-63 defeat to Wisconsin on Wednesday.
The Nittany Lions played without three big men, including 7-footer and leading rebounder Ivan Juric.
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