We've discussed just how hard it can be to win on the road....in sports overall, but especially this year in the Big Ten basketball.  I call certain losses "justifiable" because of the teams and environments.  For example, losing at Wisconsin, I.U. or at Breslin can be seen as such.  There's a reason the Badgers and Spartans have been so successful in the Big Ten for years: quality players and coaching, but also because they rarely lose at home.  Coaches in the conference are so good and their staffs are so thorough in their scouting and that makes it doubly difficult, so they treasure every road kill.  Michigan has been viewed by many as "not tough enough," either mentally or physically and when they lost their first game of the year, in Columbus, many felt their beliefs were justified.  Afterall, the Wolverines had lost their last 21 road games to top ten teams (1996 at Duke). But they traveled to #9 Minnesota Thursday and handed the Gophers their first loss at the Barn this year behind leaders: Trey Burke (18) and Tim Hardaway (21).  UM showed toughness, character and togetherness.  They used the three days following the OSU loss to review film that showcased their weaknesses and they worked on their communication break-downs. It paid off, but what was most surprising was their lack of satisfaction with the victory.  Following their fourth straight win at the Barn, they talked of building on the win and the need to stare down the in-game adversity they expect to face night in and night out.  It is becoming a team that is comfortable with the conference battles it faces and even more at ease with the expectations it has for itself.  Not one senior is in this teams consistent rotation, yet those senior bench warmers are never afraid to give instruction. That message is welcomed and incorporated by the starting underclassmen.  It's unselfish and accoutable; it listens & learns and it has great chemistry.  I don't know if they'll win the big ten let alone the national championship, but I know they have the makeup to contend for both, especially if they keep playing the way they did at Minnesota.