The Indiana Hoosiers are set for a pivotal mid-week matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Wednesday night at Assembly Hall. Darian DeVries' team has little room for error in the final week of the regular season, as their NCAA Tournament hopes could be determined on how they perform this week against the Gophers and Buckeyes.
Lamar Wilkerson is within striking distance for one of Indiana’s most impressive all-time records
The Indiana-Minnesota series has been dominated by IU historically, and Hoosier fans are hoping the cream and crimson can reassert control against Minnesota after December's 73-64 loss in Minneapolis.
Indiana has history on its side heading into clash against Minnesota
As the Hoosiers prepare for a massive Wednesday night tilt against the Gophers, history is on IU's side. Indiana and Minnesota have met 179 times throughout their respective histories, and Indiana has won 110 of those meetings.
Minnesota is one of just five programs that Indiana has defeated at least 100 times in program history. Other teams on the list include Northwestern (120), Ohio State (114), Michigan (111), and Iowa (107).
Furthermore, Indiana has won nine straight games against Minnesota at Assembly Hall. Protecting home court will be crucial for IU in this one, especially when considering the fact that Minnesota has struggled on the road all season long. The Gophers are just 2-8 on the road this season, and have just one road win since January 17.
The Hoosiers were riding a seven-game win streak back in December when the Gophers defeated IU 73-64 in Minneapolis on December 3. That contest has revenge on the minds of the Hoosiers, who are also looking to end a four-game losing streak. The streak comes at the worst of times for IU, who are looking to earn an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.
Oddsmakers have high expectations for DeVries and company on Wednesday, and following through with a convincing win would give IU's tournament hopes a big boost.