No. 5 Indiana Holds Off Minnesota - East Idaho News
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No. 5 Indiana Holds Off Minnesota

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Getty S 11213 Indiana?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1358028173757Joe Robbins/Getty Images(BLOOMINGTON, Ind.) — The fifth-ranked Indiana Hoosiers to a huge lead into the second half, and then barely hung on for the victory.

Indiana withstood a late 19-7 Minnesota run to defeat the No. 8 Golden Gophers, 88-81 at Assembly Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Leading 52-29 at halftime, Indiana (15-1) looked to be crusiing to an easy home win, but an offensive drought and a Minnesota run cut the lead to just three with 19 seconds left.

“A year ago, we’d have been ecstatic with that victory and I want them to enjoy it, but we have different expectation levels now,” Hoosier coach Tom Crean said. “We have a lot of room for improvement. Where it takes the next step is when players understand they can play better, and I think they do.”

Cody Zeller had 18 points and six rebounds to lead Indiana. 

Minnesota (15-2) received 25 points from Andre Hollins, but 17 turnovers hurt their cause.

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