Gophers fall to Wake Forest in men’s basketball after defense again keeps them in the game

“I thought we had some good looks, especially in the second half,” Johnson said. “Early, we had a couple bunnies at the rim that didn’t fall. We recovered from that, but it’s a detail thing from start to finish. To win games against [tougher teams], you have to hone in on those details.”

For the sixth time this season, the Gophers played in a game decided by six points or fewer, and they’re 3-3 in those games. Next on the schedule is Wednesday against Michigan State at home to open early Big Ten play.

Minnesota’s losses to North Texas, Wichita State and now Wake Forest aren’t bad. Those are all top-100 teams nationally, according to Ken Pomeroy’s advanced efficiency stats. With a schedule lacking many quality nonconference games at...