 The Gophers saw some moderate success in the early 1980s, appearing in the 1980, 1981, and 1983 NITs and the 1982 NCAA Tournament, where they advanced to the Sweet 16.Multiple problems plagued the Gophers during the 1976–1977 season, Jim Dutcher's 2nd as head coach.Heading into the season the team knew they would not be eligible for the post season because of sanctions from the Bill Musselman era.