MADISON, WIS. – In a different setting, the Gophers resembled nothing of the team that soundly dispensed with Wisconsin three weeks earlier at Williams Arena.
They had none of the grit, none of the spark and none of the defensive intensity.
But then, in unfamiliar buildings, those deficits are becoming a trend.
Instead, on Thursday, the Gophers watched a hot start at Kohl Center fade quickly into a 78-70 Badgers victory and Minnesota extended its winless streak in the Madison arena, where it hasn't won since 2009.
Wisconsin effectively shut down the Gophers' inside game, which has been their strength in recent games and was the key in defeating the No. 21 Badgers (20-5, 7-5 Big Ten) the first time around. Minnesota (16-9, 5-7 Big Ten) had only 20 points in the paint, including eight in the first half.
"Polar opposites," coach Richard Pitino said of Wisconsin's defensive changes. "They did a great job not allowing us to throw the ball into the post, where we really had our way with that at home."
Like we've seen several times this season, the Gophers looked best in the final minutes, igniting a more aggressive offensive attack than they'd shown all game. With 1:18 to go, junior guard Andre Hollins — who had 11 points in the final 5 minutes, 36 seconds and finished with a game-high 22 — brought the double-digit gap within five at 70-65 on a three-pointer. Then, with 55 seconds on the clock, Malik Smith kept it there with a trey of his own.
But even with the Gophers suddenly clicking — getting baskets from a frontcourt that had struggled all game — there wasn't enough time. The Badgers converted 11 of 12 free throws in the final 1:39 to seal the victory.
