Gopher Basketball Team Embarrassed|Score,Recap

Faced with the task of drawing even in the standings with the conference leading Michigan State Spartans, Minnesota stumbled out of the gate. Seemingly intimidated on the home floor of a perennial powerhouse, the Gophers quickly fell behind 13-1.

The Spartans immediately proved their offense would not be hampered by the absence of Raymar Morgan, who averages 12.3 points per game.

MSU guard Durrell Summers scored 11 of the Spartans' first 13 points, connecting on all four of his shots from distance. Summers led MSU with 21 points despite spending much of the 2nd half on the bench.

The Gophers inched their way back into the game after a Paul Carter steal led to an easy basket, bringing Minnesota within five. But that was as good as it would get for the Gophers in East Lansing. The Spartans responded with a 17-0 run, capped by Kalin Lucas, who smoothly turned a long rebound into transition bucket.

Careless turnovers were abundant, as Minnesota showed an inability to take care of the basketball. The Spartans were able to convert many of these turnovers into easy baskets.

It was a nightmarish first half for a befuddled Gophers squad who shot a woeful 17% from the floor.
Minnesota was also plagued by 11 turnovers and an 11-22 rebounding discrepancy at the break. The confluence of these negative factors produced a 42-16 halftime deficit.

The thrashing continued in the 2nd half, despite Devoe Joseph finding his shooting touch midway through the period. Joseph was the lone Gopher to score in double figures with 11 points.

Tom Izzo and the Spartans went on to defeat the Gophers 76-47 to remain atop the Big Ten.

Minnesota will have a few days to regroup before they head back on the road to face Ohio State on Saturday.

By MN Gopher Basketball Blog Writer: Michael Rietmulder