Game notes: top prep hoopster Tyus Jones in attendance

Dec 31, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Top high school recruit Tyus Jones looks on prior to the game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Michigan State Spartans at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

– The Gophers became the No. 9 team according to the AP Top 25, announced minutes before the opening tip-off between Minnesota and Michigan State. The Gophers were previously ranked No. 11.

– Michigan State is ranked No. 18 in the same poll.

– The No. 1 ranked prep recruit, Tyus Jones of Apply Valley, was in attendance, seated behind the Gopher bench.

– Both Michigan State and Minnesota were in Jones’ final eight schools the high school junior announced in October.

– Chants of “We want Tyus” echoed through a packed Williams Arena twice today in the second-half.

– Speaking of a packed Williams Arena, I did not see a seat open anywhere. Even on media-row, reporters were seated elbow-to-elbow.

Follow Frank Bi at @FrankieBi