The Minnesota men’s basketball team isn’t calling it a season just yet.

The Gophers ñ who lost to Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament Semis Saturday afternoon ñ aren’t heading to the NCAA tournament, but are heading to the postseason, nonetheless.

Minnesota (20-13) found out Sunday night ñ a few hours after the NCAA tournament field was selected – that it will be playing in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The fourth-seeded Gophers will host fifth-seeded Maryland (18-14) Tuesday night at Williams Arena.

The game, scheduled to air on ESPN, tips at 8:30 p.m.

Minnesota coach Tubby Smith ñ who will be missing the NCAA tournament for the first time after 14-straight appearances ñ was born in Scotland, Maryland.