In case you missed it, here is the live blog with analysis of the Gophers’ 75-74 overtime loss to Michigan State. Minnesota lost a 13-point second half lead and missed on a pair of chances to win the game at the regulation and overtime buzzers. It was their fourth consecutive loss in a Big 10 opener.
Here’s the game’s final sequence — an off-balance jumper by Nate Mason that missed at the horn.
The final sequence of the #Gophers game. pic.twitter.com/qkWNNUh2pW
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) December 28, 2016
Richard Pitino cautioned the Gophers about not being ready to begin the second half, but they gave up an immediate 7-0 run out of the locker room that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Richard Pitino on coming out flat in the second half. pic.twitter.com/OkmJDA37dA
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) December 28, 2016
Jordan Murphy was the only big man who could stay on the floor in the game for the Gophers. He played 42 minutes, grabbed 21 rebounds and committed just one foul, while starting center Reggie Lynch fouled out in just 11 minutes. After the game, Murphy warned against overreacting to the conference-opening loss. “We’re 12-2; we’re not 7-5,” he said.
Dupree McBrayer and Jordan Murphy discuss the disappointing loss. pic.twitter.com/xiF8ewZE7F
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) December 28, 2016
Spartans coach Tom Izzo was extremely complimentary of the Gophers, saying he thinks they’ll win a lot of Big Ten games this season. Minnesota’s last win against Michigan State also came in overtime on Feb. 26, 2015 at East Lansing. They’ve lost all three meetings since.
Tom Izzo: “They outplayed us two-thirds of that game.” Called it the best Minnesota team he’s seen in a while.
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) December 28, 2016
Izzo also had a quip when asked about his ‘close, personal friend,’ Star Tribune reporter Sid Hartman.
Tom Izzo on Sid Hartman’s recovery from a fall: “He’s an ornery SOB. … I’m not sure God wants him up there.”
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) December 28, 2016
