Indianapolis, IN – The last time these 2 played IU lost a tough one to the Gophers 65-61 back in early February. Hoosiers were looking not to have history repeat itself.
IU came out strong and went on a 6-0 run to start the game. Patburg and Marchese really worked the ball inside on that run. The Hoosiers stuck with that game plan the entire 1st quarter and didnt makenit easy for the Gophers on the defensive end with Yeaney blocking or causing issues for them inside the paint. Minnesota only shot 25% from the field in the 1st quarter.
Minnesota figured out how to get more open shots from mid range in the 2nd quarter. The Gophers also started to stop IU from getting as many easy buckets. The 1st 6 shots the Hoosiers took in the 2nd quarter were no closer than 10 feet away. That changed when Wise was able to work the ball inside. Then Wise and Patberg found their confidence in shooting from beyond the arc, with Wise having 3 three point shots drop and Patburg with 2. It was the Hoosiers first long range shots to drop in the game. IU finished the half with a commanding lead 42-28.
Minnesota came out with a much different attitude to start the 2nd half. They were more aggressive with getting to the paint, and getting rebounds. They have also been a lot more physical with the Hoosiers. Not that IU didn’t notice, Wise has been more than willing to take shots and draw the charges down low. Minnesota has forced turnovers and caused IU to miss easy buckets in the 3rd and have brought the Hoosiers lead down to single digits. The Hoosiers were able to hold off the Gophers in the 3rd led by Wise who now has 17 points in the game. IU closed out the 3rd quarter with an 11 point lead 53-42.
Minnesota has continued to attack the basket and getting rebounds in the 4th. They had closed the gap to 6 points with just over 2 minutes left in the game. IU has tried to run out the clock as much as they can but keep turning the ball over at the end. That’s what’s helped the Gophers come back. Minnesota had no choice but to foul as much as they can the rest of the game, and to no avail. The Hooisers won 66-58. Patburg led the team with 20 points, Jaelyn Penn led with 8 boards, Bendu Yeaney had 8 assists. The Hoosiers move on to the next round to play Iowa tomorrow at 6:30. You can catch that game on BTN Big 10 Network.
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