Minnesota Loses to Michigan State 79-55

Minnesota lost to Michigan State 79-55 at the Breslin Center. With the loss, the Gophers drop to 6-7 in conference play. The magic number remains four. Gabe Kalscheur led all Minnesota scorers with 17.

Honestly, there is not much to write about this game that cannot be seen by the score. Michigan State won every phase of the game and Minnesota continues to be a horrific team on the road. Outside of Kalscheur’s 3-4 from deep, the rest of the team 2-11 from three. The Gophers shot 60% from the free throw line. They were just 18-49 from the field. Minnesota opened the second half by missing four shots from within eight feet. Defensively, the Gophers were not match for a Michigan State deeply invested in breaking a losing streak.

From a tournament picture, the loss does not appreciably hurt Minnesota, though the way they lost will given NET’s interesting approach to efficiency statistics.

Individual Notes

Amir Coffey had an atrocious game. 2-6 on the night for 4 points, four turnovers, and no rebounds. The best player on the team cannot disappear on the road.

I am not sure what I need to sacrifice to the basketball gods to let this team make a wide open three pointer. Consider this question in the comments.

Props to Daniel Oturu for getting 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a variety of uncalled shots to the face. Oturu is already good, and after a year or two in the strength program will be a total beast down low.