A tough hill to climb just got that much tougher for Minnesota basketball.

The Golden Gophers were going to find it difficult to contend with Indiana Wednesday at full strength, but now they’ll have to play without 2 of their to players. According to Minnesota beat writer Marcus Fuller, the Golden Gophers will be without big men Dawson Garcia and Pharrel Payne against the Hoosiers.

Garcia suffered a lower leg injury last game against Michigan while Payne is in concussion protocol.

That’s bad for head coach Ben Johnson for a couple of reasons. Garcia averages 15 points a game  and Payne is one of Minnesota’ better defensive players. Minnesota will have 7 scholarship players available.

Minnesota is looking to avoid a 4-game losing streak Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST.