Spartans Survive Overtime Once Again

In their second overtime contest in as many games, Michigan State was able to comeback from a double-digit deficit, defeating the University of Minnesota 87-75.

Kenny Kaminski came out on fire, hitting his first five three-pointers. He finished with 15 points. Despite Kaminski’s hot shooting, the Gophers went on a 12-2 run in the first half and led by as many as 10 points. MSU was able to narrow the deficit to five and trailed 41-36 at halftime.

Kaminski was one of three MSU players to score in double figures. Keith Appling set a career high for free throw attempts, going 15-16 from the line en route to a game high 24 points. Gary Harris had 19 points despite going 1-8 from three-point range and 5-16 from the field.

The Spartans put together a 15-0 run in the second half to take the lead. Gary Harris had a chance to put the game away late when MSU led 71-69, but he missed both free throws.

“That’s unacceptable,” Harris said. “I can’t miss those.”

Minnesota’s DeAndre Mathieu converted on his lay-up in the final second to send the contest to overtime.

Michigan State held the Gophers to just four points in the overtime period and the Spartans went 12-14 from the free throw line.

MSU was able to win the rebounding and turnover battle. The team out-rebounded Minnesota 44-32 and only committed seven turnovers while forcing 12.

Adreian Payne did not dress due to a foot injury. Payne played through the injury against Ohio State, but according to Izzo, his foot swelled up in the days following that game. Izzo said the team would run more tests on Payne’s foot, but it is unclear if he will be ready to go against Northwestern on Wednesday.


Andrew Hayes is the host of Impact Izzone for Impact Sports.

Photo: David Defever/Impact Sports