The Spartans appeared weighed down by their Christmas ham dinners. Shooting just 3-for-11 from the field in the first 4 minutes, the Spartans found themselves down 10-6. The Golden Gophers, shooting 3-for-4 from the field, converted with efficiency, however MSU was able to corral 3 offensive rebounds to extend possessions.

After the first media timeout, the Spartans continued their sluggish play. Poor passes and forced shots led to six straight missed shots and over four minutes with no points. The Spartan defense was able to keep the score close with five forced turnovers. Come the second media timeout, MSU trailed Minnesota, 15-9.

After the first 10 minutes of the half, MSU was shooting a horrendous 4-for-18 from the field for just a 22.2 percent rate. At this same mark in the game, the Spartans had seven turnovers, while only making four baskets.

Senior guard Alvin Ellis III pulled the Spartans back within four with nine minutes left in the half. Ellis knocked down two straight 3-pointers, pulling the deficit back to five points.

McQuaid, Winston and fifth-year senior guard Eron Harris combined shooting 1-12 from the field in the first half.

After scoring 25 points in his last game against Oakland, Ward struggled with consistent double teams. He tried to pass out of them, shoot over them, however struggling to find any success because of it.

With six minutes remaining in the first half, MSU trailed by 10 points.

The final four minutes of the first half saw slightly more excitement. McQuaid was able to knock down a jumper and Ward was able to earn multiple trips to the free-throw line. Ward would finish the half shooting 3-8 from the charity stripe.

Minnesota has lost its last three Big Ten home openers. The Golden Gophers are also searching for their seventh straight win.

Head coach Tom Izzo is just 5-8 in Big Ten openers when on the road.

Ward led the Spartans with nine points in the first half. The freshman forward led with five rebounds and Winston led assists with three.

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