The Minnesota Golden Gophers kicked off the Big Ten Tournament with a 63-58 victory over Michigan State in the quarterfinals. Reggie Lynch led the Gophers with 16 points, four rebounds, and five blocks. The Gophers managed to fend off a relentless Michigan State team, highlighted by freshman Miles Bridges. Minnesota advanced to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 2010 and will square off with the #8-seeded Michigan State Wolverines Saturday at noon.
The Rundown
The Gophers started the game quickly as Nate Mason dropped a bounce pass to Reggie Lynch, who finished with a slam. On the other end, Lynch blocked a Miles Bridges layup attempt and drilled a jumper off a post move. The Gophers went on an 8-0 run over 2:53 and held Michigan State scoreless for almost four minutes. Michigan State’s Matt McQuaid drilled a three-pointer to end the drought, pulling the Spartans within three points. The Gophers were plagued by offensive boards in the first half. Michigan State had three offensive rebounds in one sequence and Miles Bridges finished with a dunk over two defenders.
On the next possession, Bridges drilled a three-pointer to knot the game at 10. The Gophers and Spartans traded leads throughout the first half, but an outlet pass by Akeem Springs to Dupree McBrayer, led to a slam and a 25-24 lead for the Gophers. Both teams went on longs scoring droughts to end the half, until Akeem Springs swished a long three-pointer, to bring the Gophers into halftime with a 28-26 advantage. Minnesota was very fortunate to have a two-point lead, despite trailing 12-4 on the offensive glass. They also had several stagnant possessions with limited ball movement.
The Gophers traded leads with the Spartans to begin the second half, until Dupree McBrayer hit back-to-back three pointers to put the Gophers on top 41-33 with 12:50 left. The Spartans, led by Miles Bridges, would cut the advantage to two points. Amir Coffey quickly answered with a tough attack and acrobatic finish at the rim with his right hand. However, Michigan State guard Matt McQuaid drilled a three-pointer to put the Spartans up by two with just over five minutes left. The Gophers answered with a tip-in by Jordan Murphy and a huge dunk by Reggie Lynch off a beautiful bounce pass by Amir Coffey. The Gophers never looked back after that moment, grinding out a hard-fought 63-58 win.
Oprah Winfrey style rebound giveaway
The Gophers were giving out more rebounds than an Oprah Winfrey giveaway show. They were annihilated on the glass by the Spartans in the first half. The Gophers had 14 total boards and the Spartans had 12 offensive rebounds alone. Michigan State led the total rebounding margin 25-14. It kept the Spartans possessions alive and the Gophers on their heels. Almost half of the Michigan State rebounds came on the offensive end, which is not a good statistic. The Gophers tightened up their rebounding in the second half, winning the battle 22-16 in the final 20 minutes.
Gophers best when the tempo slows
Early in the game, the Gophers went on an 8-0 run when they slowed the tempo. Minnesota ran their offensive sets and attacked off the dribble to create opportunities. Amir Coffey even was aggressive on offense. He dribbled hard to the rim, drawing fouls on two occasions. Coffey had six first half points and needs to continue being aggressive. Minnesota went away from moving the ball during the late stages of the first half. It led to individual offense and forced mid-range jumpers. Not to mention, it didn’t allow Minnesota to slow the tempo. Michigan State isn’t nearly as effective when they are forced to play in the half-court. Minnesota made the adjustments at the half and it paid off.
Gophers need Murphy on the floor
Jordan Murphy had two fouls at the 12-minute mark of the first half and it really impacted the Gophers on both ends. It was especially noticeable on defense in this game. Murphy was sorely missed because he needed to defend Miles Bridges. Eric Curry had trouble handling the length and athleticism Bridges had off the dribble. He also got lost on defense numerous times, including on a Miles Bridges alley-oop. There was plenty of ball watching going on by Minnesota defenders in this game.
Murphy was a better matchup to defend Bridges, but he had to sit on the bench in foul trouble. In addition, it also impacted the overall rebounding. Murphy tallied a team-high three rebounds in just five first half minutes. On offense, Minnesota misses the ability to set a high ball screen and create either off the bounce or with a cross court pass. Everything improved when Murphy was able to play extended minutes.
Reggie Lynch was effective in the first half when he set up around the block and finished at the rim with a floater or jump hook. He contributed on the defensive end with five blocked shots and protected the rim. Lynch was forced to leave the game after he was hit in the mouth during a shot blocking attempt. He returned to the game and continued to flourish when the Gophers executed high-low action on offense. Lynch played very efficient and showed so much toughness to come back from the injury, scoring 16 points.
Minnesota had to manage foul trouble in the second half down low. Jordan Murphy and Reggie Lynch had three fouls each. This forced Bakary Konate to play extended minutes and he was simply overmatched. He couldn’t handle any athleticism off the dribble and was like a statue on both ends. When the Gophers had Lynch and Murphy on the floor at the end, they were able to go on one final run to put the Spartans away.
McBrayer catches fire
Dupree McBrayer has been such a big difference-maker for the Gophers over the last five games. He drilled back-to-back three pointers in the second half, sparking an 8-0 run by the Gophers. McBrayer’s timely shooting off the bench has been a huge lift for Minnesota. He had 8 points and will need to step up big if Akeem Springs’ ankle/foot injury is major. Springs left the game and returned on crutches.
Nate Mason had at least three shots at the rim where he was unable to finish. He also continually took poor shots where he pulled up and tried to force it. Mason is at his best when he doesn’t try to do too much and facilitates the offense. He hasn’t been playing within his role over the last two games. Mason was just 2-for-14 from the floor and needs to find his offensive identity again.
Amir Coffey’s passing continues to be such a huge asset. His pass off a ball screen to Reggie Lynch for a two-handed slam was a work of art. He was more aggressive on offense, almost too much at times. Coffey attempted some extremely difficult shots and they wouldn’t fall. However, you can’t complain because he’s a special player with the ball in his hands.
What’s Next?
The Gophers advanced to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 2010 and will square off with the #8-seeded Michigan State Wolverines tomorrow at noon. The game will be televised on CBS.