The Gophers need a win against Michigan State Saturday

Minnesota's been on a rollercoaster all week.

The team's unexpected overtime loss at Indiana Sunday started it all.

Then, starting point guard Al Nolen was ruled ineligible for the second semester, but the NCAA can save his season with a waiver.

Royce White, a freshman forward who's been suspended indefinitely, returned to practice earlier this week for the first time in months. But misdemeanor trespassing charges only complicated his possible return.

The Gophers will probably use all 10 players against Michigan State, the Big Ten's best squad.

But none of that matters right now. The Gophers need a win to stop the potential losing skid that a loss Saturday would continue.

Their problem against the Spartans Jan. 13 was a lack of production from their bench. Michigan State's reserves outscored Minnesota's 27-3 in that game, a 60-53 victory for the Spartans.

I talked to former NBA point guards Greg Anthony (CBS) and Tim Hardaway (Comcast), both at Williams Arena as commentators, about Nolen before gametime.

Hardaway called the loss "a big blow for the Gophers." He said the Gophers will have to find a way to share the ball with three shooting guards on the perimeter.

Anthony said he was impressed with the way Nolen played during a loss at Miami in December and also thought the team might take a hit without Nolen. But both former pros also called it a potential blessing in disguise if the team can adjust.

Prediction: I think the Gophers are having a rough time right now. They've lost a starter and they haven't played their best basketball lately. But I think the Spartans have sleep-walked through the start of the Big Ten season. They're due for a loss. The Gophers are due for a big win after the crazy week they've endured.

Minnesota 59, Michigan State 58