In middle of familiar midseason swoon, Minnesota tries to get right before it's too late

Iowa guard Anthony Clemmons (5) battles for a ball on the floor with Minnesota guard Andre Hollins (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Cedar Rapids Gazette, Brian Ray) (The Associated Press)

Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith disputes a call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Cedar Rapids Gazette, Brian Ray) (The Associated Press)

MINNEAPOLIS – February has mostly been a month to forget for Minnesota under coach Tubby Smith.

The loss at Iowa on Sunday was the Gophers' 16th defeat in 20 games in February over the last three years. This season, they've dropped seven of their last 10 games before a tough trip to 18th-ranked Ohio State on Wednesday.

After rising as high as eighth in the Associated Press poll, Minnesota has fallen out of the Top 25. The Gophers still have, for now, a solid case for an NCAA tournament selection. But their once-promising start has given way to another middle-of-the-pack performance in the Big Ten.

Smith called the 72-51 loss to the Hawkeyes one of the most disappointing of his career.