Gophers scare Spartans in loss

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Though they were down to six scholarship players, Minnesota managed to scare fourth-ranked Michigan State.

The Gophers, led by Terrance Simmons' career-high 34 points, made 16 3-pointers against the Spartans' zone defense and pulled within two points with less than four minutes remaining Saturday night.

Eventually, Michigan State's size and depth wore the Gophers down to pull out a 94-83 victory. The Spartans outrebounded the Gophers 41-23 and had six players in double figures.

"They're so good on the boards," Minnesota coach Dan Monson said. "That's kind of their trademark and what they do. Let's face it: They don't have a lot of flaws."

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo thought he found one.

Despite starting Aloysius Anagonye and David Thomas rather than freshmen Zach Randolph and Marcus Taylor for defensive reasons, the Spartans allowed the Gophers to make 16 of 30 shots from the 3-point line and have given up 26 3-pointers in their last two games, including a loss to Illinois.

Offensively, the Spartans were too much for Minnesota. Charlie Bell led a balanced Michigan State (19-3, 8-3 Big Ten) attack with 17 points. Jason Richardson added 16 points, Andre Hutson 14, Randolph and Thomas 12 and Taylor 11.

The Gophers (16-8, 4-7) were down to six scholarship players after John-Blair Bickerstaff's leg was broken and Travarus Bennett sprained an ankle in Tuesday's game at Northwestern. Michael Bauer's forearm was broken two weeks ago.

Walk-on freshman Jeff Hagen started at center.

MICHIGAN STATE (19-3)

Hutson 6-10 2-4 14, Richardson 5-9 5-6 16, Anabonye 3-3 0-0 6, Thomas 5-6 2-2 12, Bell 5-9 6-10 17, Taylor 4-9 1-2 11, Randolph 3-7 6-7 12, Chappell 1-2 2-2 4, Ballinger 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 33-57 24-33 94.

MINNESOTA (16-8)

Schilling 3-10 2-2 11, Rychart 4-10 1-1 10, Hagen 2-4 0-0 4, Simmons 11-18 5-8 34, Burleson 4-7 5-7 16, Wildenborg 0-2 0-0 0, Fleming 2-6 2-2 8, Bolden 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 26-57 15-20 83.

Halftime--Michigan St. 48-40. 3-Point goals--Michigan St. 4-12 (Taylor 2-5, Bell 1-2, Richardson 1-4, Chappell 0-1), Minnesota 16-30 (Simmons 7-12, Burleson 3-5, Schilling 3-7, Fleming 2-4, Rychart 1-2). Fouled out--Rychart, Burleson, Taylor. Rebounds--Michigan St. 41 (Bell 9), Minnesota 23 (Simmons 6). Assists--Michigan St. 18 (Bell 6), Minnesota 14 (Simmons 5). Total fouls--Michigan St. 20, Minnesota 25. Technical--Richardson. A--14,210.