Lucas and Spartans are too Much for Minnesota Gophers

New Years Eve day's Big Ten opener against No. 10 ranked Michigan State gave the Gophers an opportunity to notch another win against a ranked opponent after beating Louisville 70-64 on December 20th. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the outcome was much less favorable, as the 70-58 loss ruined the Gophers best start in the last 60 years.

The first half was a fierce defensive battle. The Gophers' stellar help defense forced MSU into taking contested shots, while the Gophers too struggled on the offensive end. In the first seven minutes of play, both teams combined were 4-20 from the field.

With so many errant shots, rebounding became a critical factor. Spartans' big man Goran Suton grabbed 12 rebounds and athletic forward Raymar Morgan had 10 of his own. Both players had double-doubles adding 11 and 10 points respectively. The Gophers were outrebounded 49-27. As a result, MSU had amassed 19 second chance points midway through the second half.

Minnesota cut the Spartans' lead to 1 in the closing minute of the first half after a Blake Hoffarber 3 pointer and a creative pass from Al Nolen found a cutting Damien Johnson in the lane. Johnson was fouled and hit both free throws to make it 30-29 at the half.

The defensive stalemate would spill over into the second half. In the first 2 minutes, Nolen stripped the ball from Suton, who was clearly uncomfortable handling the ball in the open floor, and fired a pass up the court to Johnson. Going up for what he thought would be an easy look, Johnson had his shot swatted away by a leaping Raymar Morgan. This sequence was truly telling of how the game was being played up until this point: energetic defense trumps lackluster offense.

MSU's dormant offense was finally awoken in the second half, thanks to the swift point guard Kalin Lucas who scored 15 of his career high 24 after the break. As Lucas was heating up, Minnesota's offense got even colder, starting the period off by shooting just 2-12 from the field. The Gophers lacked offensive ingenuity and settled for perimeter jumpers.

Despite a dismal shooting effort, the Gophers managed to stay in the game through the first 10 minutes of the half. With 11:22 to play, Lawrence Westbrook brought the team within nine after an acrobatic up-and-under move. Westbrook finished with 11 points.

Al Nolen had another solid outing, leading the Gophers in scoring with 14 points and 7 assists.

But that wouldn't be enough to combat the surging Spartans who led by as much as 17 going into the final TV timeout.

The loss will surely knock the Golden Gophers out of the top 25 unless they can stave off No. 23 Ohio State at the Barn on Saturday.

Minnesota Gophers Blog Writer: Michael Rietmulder