Minnesota fans have long wondered if their giant in the post was made of iron. After seemingly every physical hit in the post, Jordan Murphy would always get back up. Every loose ball, rebound and post entry touched the hands of No. 3. He simply seemed indestructible.
Some day, his number will be in the rafters of Williams Arena.
This time, the heart and soul of the team had to watch from the sidelines during one of the program’s highest profile games in recent memory. Back spasms slowed a man who became the program’s all-time leading rebounder. Murphy ended his final game in maroon and gold by playing just four minutes.
As the clocked ticked down, he checked into the game and took one final curtain call. A packed Wells Fargo Arena crowd chanted his name as he exited the floor. The man who left his mark on the program shared an embrace with head coach Richard Pitino.
“It’s almost fitting for Murph that he hadn’t missed a game his whole career,” Pitino said after the game. “It almost felt like the heavyweight fighter just continuing to fight through it even though he’s bruised and beat up.”
Murphy never missed a game during his career at Minnesota. For the first time, he stood behind the bench for most of the Gophers’ 70-50 loss to Michigan State. It was a crushing way for Murphy’s career to end.
“He’s a special kid. I’m gonna miss him. He’s somebody that I consider family. I appreciate everything he’s given me,” Pitino said. “He’s laid it all out there. Every ounce of sweat, he’s put it on the line out there.”
A monumental career came to an end as Murphy walked off the court before sharing an embrace with Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo. Respect was shared between a Hall of Fame coach and one of the Big Ten’s best players.
“We all love Murphy. He’s a great kid, tough kid,” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said after the game. “The best rebounder on the planet and it was sad not to see him be able to play.”
Murphy’s absence was apparent in every aspect of the game. The Gophers struggled to match the physicality from one of the nation’s top teams.
Michigan State controlled the rebounding margin 45-19, won in transition and scored at will inside. The Spartans got in transition and exploited Minnesota’s slow transition defense. During an early 11-0 run, the Spartans picked up two easy baskets, including a Matt McQuaid dunk. Moments later, Michigan State added a 15-2 scoring burst behind numerous easy baskets. The Spartans were getting everything they wanted through sound half court offense and ball reversals.
During Jordan Murphy’s four minutes in the game, he spent most of his time around the arc. All night, Murphy stood behind the bench and was trying to stretch out his back. He simply couldn’t gain enough flexibility. Minnesota was without three low-post players and had two key players in early foul trouble. Guard Gabe Kalscheur picked up two quick fouls and played with four during most of the game.
Jarvis Omersa saw additional minutes and brought some physicality to the defense. He walled up Nick Ward and helped slow his offensive success. However, Omersa also played with four fouls, which limited the aggressiveness of Minnesota’s defense. Despite all of the trouble, Michigan State had 22 turnovers and Omersa helped produce several of them. The problem? Minnesota only took advantage with just nine fast break points.
Minnesota lacked flow offensively and settled for too many contested looks. Their shot selection was poor and possessions started too late in the shot clock. This was a theme in games where the Gophers have struggled to compete.
The Gophers also couldn’t string together quality team defense to prevent Michigan State from getting easy baskets. Much of Minnesota’s success has been due to strong team defensive performances. They struggled during Saturday’s game as Michigan State shot a whopping 57 percent from the floor.
Amir Coffey had seven of the team’s first nine points and scored 27, but Minnesota simply couldn’t find any shots against the Michigan State defense. The Spartans’ lead ballooned to 15 points with just seven minutes remaining in the first half.
The talent differential between the two teams was so clear, especially with Murphy sidelined. Minnesota had no answer for the physicality of the Spartan’s front line. Xavier Tillman controlled the post, scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds.
The Gophers showed one flash of energy in the second half and it started on the defensive end. Minnesota extended pressure and doubled down in the post to force difficult shots and turnovers. This adjustment helped fuel an 8-0 run, including a massive Amir Coffey dunk and two aggressive drives. The Michigan State lead was cut to nine points with 14:41 remaining and the crowd erupted in Des Moines.
However, Michigan State quickly responded behind star guard Cassius Winston. He knocked down three consecutive cold-blooded jumpers to put a dagger in Minnesota’s comeback attempt. The Spartans cruised to an effortless victory and ended the Gophers’ season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.