We knew Michigan State was tough, but the Gophers had been looking more physical in their last three games.
That was quickly forgot on Wednesday, as the Gophers were thoroughly outmuscled in a 68-52 loss to Michigan State at Breslin Center. No, a loss here, is not a resume-killer. But the Gophers need to rebound quickly. In this league, every win is gettable, and every loss is meaningful. Some notes from the game:
- The Gophers were out-rebounded, 32-25, and far outshot. Minnesota was held to just 38.3 percent shooting on the night while MSU made 54.2 percent – 58.8 in the second half.
- Minnesota had a real chance late in the game, pulling within five with ten minutes on the clock. But Joe Coleman followed a steal with a turnover and the Gophers quickly slipped back to a double-digit deficit.
- Michigan State was very tough inside and the Gophers struggled to get many shots in the paint. They had just 20 to Michigan State's 38.
- Rodney Williams had solid game with 15 points and 4 rebounds (as did Coleman with 9 points and 8 rebounds), but Williams understandably had a hard time controlling Green inside.
- Andre Hollins finished 0-5 tonight, but looked more aggressive at times in attacking the basket.
- The Gophers have not won at Michigan State (not counting the redacted records from 1994-99) since 1990, by far the longest drought of any Big Ten team.
- Austin Hollins after three solid games went scoreless.
- The Gophers drop to sole possession of ninth place in the conference with the loss.
