Hoosiers win thriller with Minnesota, 81-78 in OT

In a game that had IU leading for most of the two halves, it came down to overtime. IU beat Minnesota 81-78 in OT, and fans stormed the court after the final buzzer.

After leading by double-digits in the second half, IU found themselves facing overtime after Minnesota tied it up at 70. The Hoosiers were down by as many as five in overtime before Verdell Jones' jumper and two made free throws sealed the victory.

While the Hooseirs lost last week at home to Illinois after another double-digit lead and lost on the road to Michigan, they redeemed themselves against Minnesota. They outrebounded the Gophers 43-31 in a game that saw IU's bigs respond to the physical play of the Big Ten. IU coach Tom Crean said the team focused on rebounds during practice and made it a vital part of their game plan.

"They responded to the physicalness," Crean said. "They respected Minnesota."

Sophomore center Tom Pritchard finished with seven points and six rebounds before fouling out, and Crean was happy with the effort.

"The mindset he played with today is the mindset we need on a consistent basis," Crean said.

IU is now 2-3 in the Big Ten, tied with No. 6 Purdue. The Hoosiers travel to Penn State on Thursday.