Great win for the Gophers, but I feel terrible for Akeem Springs. That was a knock 'em down, drag 'em out street fight of a basketball game and as Pitino said post game, they had to muck it up against Sparty to beat them at their own game. You let Michigan State get out in transition and you get run out of the gym, much like how things went down earlier this year in East Lansing.
Springs posted on Instagram that his season is over, which means he likely blew out his Achilles. We'll miss the perimeter shooting and the ability he had to create on his own shot, but he'll be missed more for his defense. He often guards the opponent's best scorer, and now he'll need to be a leader from the bench. McBrayer will get a bulk of his minutes, but everybody will need to do a little bit more to pick him up. Mason needs too be a little more aggressive and look for his shot, but overall a very gritty win today.
We missed quite a few lay-ups today anticipating contact and not going strong to the rim. Focus on finishing and the rest takes care of itself.