Gophers ground IU

A near sellout crowd all donning the same t-shirts, a Verdell Jones half-court basket and an early eight point lead weren’t enough to stop IU’s losing streak.

The Hoosiers (5-13, 0-6) dropped their ninth game in a row to Minnesota 67-63. The competitive game throughout came down to the Golden Gophers (17-3, 5-3) ability to execute down the stretch; and IU’s inability to.  

Trailing 66-63 with 21 seconds left, the Hoosiers had the ball and a chance to tie the game. But after a timeout the team looked uncertain of what to do with the ball, eventually settling for junior Devan Dumes’  long three point attempt with a hand in his face that rimmed out.  

IU coach Tom Crean said the initial plan was to try and get a two point basket to keep the pressure on Minnesota, or find freshman Matt Roth for an open three point look. But the Golden Gophers defense prevented IU from executing.  

“We wanted to score two at that point if it was there on the cut,” Crean said. “And if it wasn’t then flow right in and get the roll lay-up or throw back for the three. Matt (Roth) never really got open on those last two screens.”