Turnovers have been a major factor during Indiana’s three-game losing streak. IU’s 19 turnovers led to 24 points for Michigan in the Wolverines’ 69-45 victory Thursday.

Today, IU contends with a Minnesota team that is among the best in the nation in turnovers.

The Hoosiers (7-9, 1-3 Big Ten) matched a season-low with nine turnovers in the Big Ten opener against Michigan on Dec. 31.

In the three games since, they have had 58 turnovers, including a season-high 24 on Jan. 6 at Ohio State. IU coach Tom Crean had a film session in which he viewed every turnover.

“I learned that we are not strong enough with the ball. I learned that we are driving into needless traps. And we’re places where we don’t need to be. Decision-making is always going to be a part of it,” Crean said Saturday. “We’re not as weak as we play with the ball some times. Do we understand the value of the ball? No, obviously not. But we’re still better than what we play when we’re making a soft turnover.”

The 58 turnovers have led to 66 points.

“We’re turning it over in the wrong places,” Crean said. “We’re turning it over, and we don’t have guys who can get back. We’re getting trapped in a corner, we’re making a wrong pass when we reverse it instead of being strong and set with the ball.”

As of Thursday, Minnesota leads the Big Ten in steals, averaging 10.8 per game. The Gophers (12-5, 3-2) are seventh nationally in turnover margin.

“Their pressure is very scary,” Crean said. “They have a lot of different ways to create turnovers. It really begins and ends with their personnel.”

Al Nolen (43) and Damian Johnson (40) rank first and second in the conference with 43 and 40 steals.

“They are doing an excellent job of forcing turnovers,” Crean said. “It’s a combination of the length, athleticism and the fact that they’ve got guys who have done it. They know what (coach Tubby Smith) wants in that press. You look at their defense now as compared to a year ago, you can see it’s better.”

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