Indiana snaps Gophers' seven-game win streak

Mackenzie Mgbako led the way for the Hoosiers with a game-high 19 points.

Gophers men’s basketball coach Ben Johnson warned his team that Friday’s game against Indiana at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind., would be the best environment Minnesota has played in all season.

The hope was, as Johnson put it, not to get caught up in the “oos” and “aahs” of a hectic environment, particularly for a team that’s struggled at the start of games.

Whether the Gophers got caught up in their surroundings or not, the early-game struggles continued in a 74-62 loss to the Hoosiers that snapped a seven-game win streak.

Minnesota (12-4, 3-2 Big Ten) fell into an early 25-8 hole in the opening minutes and forced itself to play catch up, which proved tough with four players — including Elijah Hawkins and Dawson Garcia — picking up a pair of fouls in the opening 20 minutes.

Mackenzie Mgbako scored 14 of his game-high 19 points in the first frame to power the Hoosiers.

The Gophers made a dent in the Indiana lead, going into half down just 10, but they weren’t able to carry much momentum into the second frame.

Indiana (12-5, 4-2) shot 48% from the field and 50% from long range in the second half — including a stretch early in the frame in which it made 8 of its first 11 shots — as its lead grew as high as 21. Minnesota, meanwhile, shot 40% in the second half and just 39% for the game.

Kel’el Ware had 17 points and 14 rebounds for the Hoosiers.

Pharrel Payne, who kept the Gophers afloat in the first half, finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Josh Ola-Joseph scored 12 points and recorded five boards. Dawson Garcia tallied 14 points and nine rebounds.

The Gophers return to action on Monday, when they take on rival Iowa at 5 p.m. at The Barn.