Minnesota, with three straight losses, faces another tough challenge Sunday, when Indiana visits Williams Arena.

Iowa women's basketball picked up a key road win at Minnesota. Five next-morning thoughts on the Hawkeyes' big victory.

The Iowa women’s basketball team defeated Minnesota, 68-60, at Williams Arena on Thursday. The Hawkeyes started strong, scoring 18 points in the first quarter against the Gophers 7. Junior Hannah Stuelke lead Iowa in points while also securing her spot in the 1,

After another game had gotten away, Gophers women’s basketball coach Dawn Plitzuweit talked about discipline and toughness. Specifically, about needing more of both. In a 68-60 loss to Iowa on Thursday at Williams Arena — the Gophers' third consecutive loss this season and 11th in row in regular-season play to Iowa — Minnesota lacked toughness to start,

If the regular season ended today, the Gophers likely would have done enough to earn a bid to the NCAA tournament. Of course, it doesn’t. The Gophers have have seven regular season games left and will need to use the final full month of the season (plus the Big Ten tournament next month) to boost their the credentials.

The Gopher women are firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble and face a big game against Iowa Thursday night in Dinkytown. Gopher head coach Dawn Plitzuweit says Iowa is a handful, Caitlin Clark or not.

Gophers guard Amaya Battle (3) is averaging 16.3 points over the past 11 games. (Jeff Wheeler/The Minnesota Star Tribune)