Gophers fall behind early, lose to Michigan State – InForum

The Gophers men’s basketball team’s Big Ten opener against Michigan State was out of reach within the first 10 minutes on Wednesday night.

A massive 21-3 run by the Spartans was too much for Minnesota to lose 90-72 at Williams Arena.

The game resembled a larger, older child extending his palm to his little brother’s forehead. The eldest’s wingspan alone prevents the lively little one from making much contact, no matter how many swings he has to muster.

The Gophers (6-4, 0-1 Big Ten) had one of the best statistical defenses in the conference on Wednesday, but quietly prevailed against five-point favorite Michigan State (7-2, 1-0).

The Gophers’ top point guard Mike Mitchell returned after a seven-game absence due to an ankle injury. He came off the bench to start the first half, got going with three 3-pointers in two minutes and finished with 17 points, including 5 of 8 from deep.

But the return of Minnesota’s best shooter and Dawson Garcia’s game-high 18 points didn’t really dent Michigan State’s lead. That’s because the Spartans — the conference’s worst 3-point shooting team (22%) — shot 50% (11 of 22) on Wednesday.

The Spartans started strong with a 9-2 lead in the first three minutes. They picked up the pace in transition for a three-pointer, made the extra pass for a 3-pointer and converted a 3-point play to take an early lead.

Minnesota responded with a 10-0 run. Lu’Cye Patterson and Garcia each hit a trey during the spurt to take a 12-9 lead.

Those mini-runs were nothing compared to Michigan State’s 21-3 victory over six minutes that gave them a 33-17 lead. The Spartans persevered, leading 42-30 at halftime and never looking back.

The Spartans owned the glass, with a 24-8 rebounding advantage at halftime. The Gophers were concerned about Michigan State’s ability to get out in transition, but that doesn’t explain the Gophers’ 9-2 deficit on the defensive line. The discrepancy evened out in the second half, but the damage was done.

Three Gophers had foul trouble in the first half; Parker Fox and Femi Odukale got two each while Patterson got three.

Last season, the Spartans won two of three games against Minnesota, with the Gophers earning one of their best wins of the season, 59-56 over Michigan State, in February.

There was no repeat performance to start Big Ten play this season.