Richard Pitino declared to his players after Wednesday night's victory, "There is no more talk about the NCAA tournament. We're talking about seeds in the NCAA tournament."

The Gophers all but secured their spot on the March Madness dance floor by upsetting No. 24 Maryland 89-75 in College Park, Md. Pitino's team moved into the top four in the Big Ten standings and into position for a double bye in the conference tournament.

Wednesday night's victory also all but guaranteed Pitino a $50,000 bonus. His contract stipulates a $50,000 payment each year the Gophers make the NCAA tournament.

The incentives don't stop there.

If the Gophers finish with a winning record in the Big Ten regular season, Pitino gets another $50,000.

Wait, there's more.

Add it all up and Pitino is line for at least a $100,000 bump, and that could double, or more, if the Gophers stay hot.

JASON GONZALEZ