Minnesota Basketball: Gophers Hosting #2 Michigan State Spartans - OPEN THREAD

When

8:00

How

ESPN2

What better way to end your 7-game losing streak than to do it against the #2 team in the country. Possible? Not really, but they still have to play the game.

KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN

• Monster Nights from Murphy and Mason - If the Gophers want to steal this game, and assuming we will be without Amir Coffey and Dupree McBrayer, they will need Jordan Murphy and Nate Mason to both have huge nights on both ends of the floor.
• Get Some Help - It will take more than just those two. You just have to get some contributions from Michael Hurt and Davonte Fitzgerald. Those two combined for 49 points, 3 turnovers and 3 points on 1/8 shooting. Jamir Harris could step up for a big night from deep too, that would help.
• Find an Offense - Michigan State plays great defense and rebounds. You better find a way to execute an offense or you’ll be taking shots they want you to take all day. This rarely ends well for the opponent.

PREDICTION

The Spartans have 1st round picks all over their roster and are are prepping for a Final Four run. The Gophers are doing the best they can with what remains of their depleted roster. This once was a game to circle on the calendar, but these two team’s seasons have gone in dramatically different directions.

Minnesota - 63
Michigan State 82