Here is what I would mark as the lowest points of the Gopher season...
- Loss to Dayton in the championship game of the Old Spice Classic. The L in the loss column wasn't as significant as the loss of Trevor Mbakwe and what that was going to mean for the season.
- Four straight losses to open the Big Ten season. The gaudy 12-1 non-conference record was quickly forgotten and we began to wonder if the Gophers would get any Big Ten wins.
What do those low points have in common? They were both followed with surprising wins and renewed hope for Gopher basketball 2011-12. I believe that we have once again reached a low point of the season. Discussion amongst fans is getting nasty and the fervor for Tubby's head is reaching a peak. Are the Gophers going to rebound with a surprising and potentially season saving win?
Game Time: 7:30
TV: BTN
| Pos | Minnesota (17-10) | Pnt/Gm | Pnt/Gm | #6 Michigan State (22-5) | Pos | |
| PG | Andre Hollins | 6.1 | 12.0 | Keith Appling | G | |
| G | Joe Coleman | 5.6 | 8.9 | Brandon Wood | G | |
| F | Austin Hollins | 8.3 | 8.1 | Branden Dawson | F | |
| F | Rodney Williams | 11.0 | 15.4 | Draymond Green | F | |
| C | Ralph Sampson III | 7.9 | 6.9 | Adreian Payne | F | |
| Bench | Julian Welch | 10.5 | 7.9 | Derrick Nix | Bench | |
| Bench | Chip Armelin | 5.9 | 5.2 | Travis Trice | Bench | |
| Bench | Eliott Eliason | 2.4 | 5.0 | Austin Thornton | Bench |
There are rumors of another lineup change, this is my best guess at the new lineup. Who starts really isn't all that important anymore. This team needs to come together and play well as a unit, regardless of who is on the floor.
Last time these two teams faced in East Lansing, Draymond Green dominated the paint with 22 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Branden Dawson threw in 16 points on 7/10 shooting from the floor. I think we might be able to stay in this game if someone would be willing to bang with Green. That wrecking ball is a very physical player who I fear will dominate the Barn tonight.
Michigan State is currently sitting alone in 1st place by a half game over Michigan and Ohio State. They are also riding a five game win streak with wins over those two teams in that stretch. Minnesota is riding three game losing streak and is desperate to save their season. The question is will they play like it?