Minnesota 67, IU 63.

The box score. IU was competitive for the fourth time in six Big Ten games, but has nothing but an 0-6 record to show for it. IU stayed with Minnesota all day, despite allowing Ralph Sampson (it seemed somehow appropriate to hear that last name repeated over and over) to run wild, would have been in a great position to win the game but for poor free throw shooting and some poor decision-making down the stretch. IU was only 11-21 from the line, including 7-15 in the second half. IU led for most of the first half, and while Minnesota stretched its lead to 7 on a couple of occasions in the second half, IU stayed close. I thought the key sequence was with 4:32 remaining. IU had pulled to within one point at 58-57, and rebounded a Minnesota miss. Malik Story, instead of pulling up, committed a charge on a drive to the basket. IU got to within one again in the final minute, but never took the lead in the second half. I don’t mean to pick on Story. Freshmen who ordinarily wouldn’t be put in such situations are forced to do so for this team.

Oh well. On to Northwestern. NU won at Michigan State last week, but at 2-5 needs to make a move if the Wildcats are to make their first NCAA Tournament appearance. It would be a tough road win.