DanielHouse
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When shots aren’t falling, it’s difficult to compete. This is especially the case against top-tier competition. The Gophers shot 28 percent and didn’t convert opportunities in Sunday’s 70-52 loss to No. 11 Michigan State.
After scoring 21 points in Thursday’s win over Ohio State, guard Marcus Carr had just 11 points on 3-for-14 shooting. Carr went on a notable scoring drought that spanned nearly 21 minutes. Michigan State guard Cassius Winston led the Spartans with 18 points and eight assists. Big man Xavier Tillman added 17 as three Michigan State players finished in double figures. In the second half, head coach Tom Izzo started running sets for Tillman and wore the Gophers down inside.
Michigan State entered Sunday’s game ranked No. 5 in rebounding margin (9). A few weeks ago, Minnesota allowed 19 offensive rebounds in a 74-58 loss to Michigan State. Guard Marcus Carr was also held to just 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting. In the Spartans' second meeting against Minnesota, they followed a similar recipe. Michigan State led the rebounding margin 39-35 (nine offensive rebounds) and held Carr in check.
Cold shooting haunts
The Gophers simply couldn’t find the bottom of the net. Minnesota opened the game shooting 3-for-16, including 1-for-10 from three-point land. The offense was creating open looks, but couldn't convert.
Michigan State started to get into an offensive rhythm by attacking hard off the dribble. Aaron Henry finished through contact and gave the Spartans their first lead of the day. Michigan State went on a 15-2 run over 4:06 to claim a 12-point first-half lead. The Gophers were playing relatively sound team defense, but couldn’t make any shots. Gabe Kalscheur missed his first four three-point attempts and hasn't found a groove in January. Kalscheur had just 15 points and missed six long-range jumpers. Near the midway point of the first half, the Gophers were shooting 19 percent (4-for-21), including 1-for-13 from downtown. With 3:28 remaining in the first half, Kalscheur finally broke out of the slump with a long-rate hit. Moments later, freshman Tre’ Williams drilled a three-pointer to pull the Gophers within eight points at halftime.
Out of the break, Kalscheur drained back-to-back three-pointers, but Michigan State’s Gabe Brown responded. He dunked under the basket and drilled a three-pointer to extend the Spartans’ lead back to 11 points. Every time Minnesota showed a glimmer of life, Michigan State responded with an efficient possession. The balanced attack of Winston, Tillman and Rocket Watts caused problems for the Gophers.
Minnesota also went on another long second-half scoring drought and missed eight consecutive field goals. With 14:34 remaining, Carr finally ended a 21-minute scoring drought. He had two aggressive drives to the rim, but every time the Gophers surged, Michigan State had an answer. When the Spartans’ lead was cut to nine points, a four-point play by Winston stretched the deficit back to 14. Minnesota simply didn't make enough shots to keep up with one of the nation's best teams.
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After scoring 21 points in Thursday’s win over Ohio State, guard Marcus Carr had just 11 points on 3-for-14 shooting. Carr went on a notable scoring drought that spanned nearly 21 minutes. Michigan State guard Cassius Winston led the Spartans with 18 points and eight assists. Big man Xavier Tillman added 17 as three Michigan State players finished in double figures. In the second half, head coach Tom Izzo started running sets for Tillman and wore the Gophers down inside.
Michigan State entered Sunday’s game ranked No. 5 in rebounding margin (9). A few weeks ago, Minnesota allowed 19 offensive rebounds in a 74-58 loss to Michigan State. Guard Marcus Carr was also held to just 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting. In the Spartans' second meeting against Minnesota, they followed a similar recipe. Michigan State led the rebounding margin 39-35 (nine offensive rebounds) and held Carr in check.
Cold shooting haunts
The Gophers simply couldn’t find the bottom of the net. Minnesota opened the game shooting 3-for-16, including 1-for-10 from three-point land. The offense was creating open looks, but couldn't convert.
Michigan State started to get into an offensive rhythm by attacking hard off the dribble. Aaron Henry finished through contact and gave the Spartans their first lead of the day. Michigan State went on a 15-2 run over 4:06 to claim a 12-point first-half lead. The Gophers were playing relatively sound team defense, but couldn’t make any shots. Gabe Kalscheur missed his first four three-point attempts and hasn't found a groove in January. Kalscheur had just 15 points and missed six long-range jumpers. Near the midway point of the first half, the Gophers were shooting 19 percent (4-for-21), including 1-for-13 from downtown. With 3:28 remaining in the first half, Kalscheur finally broke out of the slump with a long-rate hit. Moments later, freshman Tre’ Williams drilled a three-pointer to pull the Gophers within eight points at halftime.
Out of the break, Kalscheur drained back-to-back three-pointers, but Michigan State’s Gabe Brown responded. He dunked under the basket and drilled a three-pointer to extend the Spartans’ lead back to 11 points. Every time Minnesota showed a glimmer of life, Michigan State responded with an efficient possession. The balanced attack of Winston, Tillman and Rocket Watts caused problems for the Gophers.
Minnesota also went on another long second-half scoring drought and missed eight consecutive field goals. With 14:34 remaining, Carr finally ended a 21-minute scoring drought. He had two aggressive drives to the rim, but every time the Gophers surged, Michigan State had an answer. When the Spartans’ lead was cut to nine points, a four-point play by Winston stretched the deficit back to 14. Minnesota simply didn't make enough shots to keep up with one of the nation's best teams.
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