Senior guard Aaron Craft (4) defends and Iowa player during a game Jan. 12 at the Schottenstein Center. OSU lost, 84-74. Credit: Shelby Lum / Photo editor

Senior guard Aaron Craft (4) defends and Iowa player during a game Jan. 12 at the Schottenstein Center. OSU lost, 84-74.
Credit: Shelby Lum / Photo editor

No matter how you slice it, something just seems off with the Ohio State men’s basketball team.

The mystery continued against Minnesota Thursday, as the No. 11 Buckeyes fell to the Golden Gophers, 63-53, for their third straight loss.

It is the first time since February 2009 that the Buckeyes have lost three straight games.

OSU (15-3, 2-3) never could get anything going on the offensive end, shooting just 11-29 from the field in the first half.

Despite the shooting woes, the game was tied at 29 at halftime thanks to a basket by OSU junior forward LaQuinton Ross just before the buzzer sounded. The Buckeyes were unable to take advantage of 10 turnovers by the Golden Gophers in the opening 20 minutes.

The cold shooting for OSU continued early in the second half, as Minnesota (14-4, 3-2) built a lead early. The Buckeyes had five straight possessions that ended in a turnover, until Ross hit a three to cut the lead to 36-35.

Minnesota extended its lead to 57-46 after a turnover by senior guard Aaron Craft led to a wide-open layup by Minnesota senior guard Austin Hollins.

A free throw by junior center Amir Williams cut the lead to 10, but OSU would never get within double digits before the clock ran out as the Buckeyes could simply not find the shooting stroke.

OSU shot a dismal 18-51 from the floor, and were outrebounded by the Golden Gophers, 37-25.

Ross, who finished the game with a game-high 22 points, did not have much help from his teammates, as the only other Buckeye to score in double figures was junior forward Sam Thompson with 12.

Up next, the Buckeyes are scheduled to travel to Nebraska (8-8, 0-4) Monday. Tipoff against the Cornhuskers is set for 7 p.m.