Michigan State Looks to Bounce Back at Minnesota After Rivalry Loss to Michigan
After a tough loss to in-state rival Michigan, Michigan State basketball is back on the court and looking to reset. The Spartans head to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Wednesday night at Williams Arena, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
The loss to Michigan still lingers - an 83-71 defeat that stung not just because of the score, but because of the rivalry. And while the fallout from that game has dominated headlines, including some pointed comments from Michigan head coach Dusty May about MSU freshman point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., the focus now shifts to a Minnesota team that’s been struggling to find its footing in Big Ten play.
A Heated Rivalry, A Quick Turnaround
Monday saw some tension spill into the press conference circuit when May accused Fears of making “dirty and dangerous” plays, including a moment where he appeared to attempt a trip on Michigan standout Yaxel Lendeborg. Tom Izzo, never one to shy away from defending his players, responded by suggesting May should pick up the phone and call him directly if there’s an issue.
All that drama, however, is in the rearview mirror - at least for now. Michigan State has a game to play, and it’s one they’re expected to win. But in the Big Ten, nothing comes easy on the road.
Scouting the Gophers
Minnesota enters the matchup with a 10-12 overall record and a 3-8 mark in conference play. The Gophers haven’t won a game since January 6, when they took down Iowa at home. Since then, it’s been a rough stretch, with inconsistency on both ends of the floor.
The Spartans will look to take advantage of that, particularly with their depth and tempo. Fears, despite the off-court noise, has been a spark plug in transition and will be key in setting the tone early. Expect Michigan State to try and establish a fast pace to wear down a Minnesota squad that’s had trouble keeping up with more athletic teams.
Key Players to Watch
This could be a get-right game for MSU’s frontcourt. Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper have had some uneven performances recently, but this matchup presents an opportunity to re-establish their presence in the paint before a brutal six-game stretch that includes Illinois, Wisconsin, UCLA, and Ohio State.
If the Spartans can feed the post early and control the boards, it could open up the perimeter game and allow shooters like Tyson Walker to get into rhythm. Defensively, Michigan State will need to stay disciplined - Minnesota doesn’t have a prolific offense, but they can hang around if you let them.
What’s Next for Michigan State?
After Minnesota, the schedule ramps up in a hurry. Here’s what’s coming for the Spartans:
- Saturday, Feb. 7: vs. No.
10 Illinois, 8 p.m. (Fox)
- Friday, Feb. 13: at Wisconsin, 8 p.m. (Fox)
- Tuesday, Feb. 17: vs. UCLA, 8:30 p.m.
(NBCSN)
- Sunday, Feb. 22: vs.
Ohio State, 1 p.m. (CBS)
It’s a gauntlet, and Wednesday’s game could be a tone-setter for how Michigan State navigates the rest of February.
How to Watch
- TV: Big Ten Network
- Radio: WRJ-AM 760 in Detroit (Spartans Radio Network), WWJ-AM 950, WWWW-FM 102.9
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial available), Fox One
Whether you’re watching on BTN or streaming on Fubo, this is a game that could tell us a lot about where Michigan State is mentally after the rivalry loss - and how ready they are for the challenges ahead.
Prediction
Michigan State has the talent, the depth, and the motivation to take care of business in Minneapolis. Look for the Spartans to set the tone early, push the pace, and lean on their frontcourt to control the interior. If they do that, they should come away with a comfortable win.
Projected Score: Michigan State 82, Minnesota 67