Half-time: Gophers up 39-38 following late Spartans run

Dec 31, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of Williams Arena prior to the game between the Michigan State Spartans and Minnesota Golden Gophers. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota started the game as the No. 9 team in the country according to the AP Top 25 released minutes before tip-off. For the first fifteen minutes, the Gophers played like a top 10 team, but a late Michigan State run gives Minnesota only a one-point lead heading into half-time.

Rodney Williams and Andre Hollins leads all scorers with eight points each. Michigan State’s Travis Trice has nine points, including a buzzer beater three-pointer to end the first half.

The Gophers had a 12-point lead at one point, but that was squandered following a 10-0 run with under five minutes to play in the half. Trice was a big factor behind the Spartan run, dishing the ball to players under the basket and handlign the ball well.

Both teams are shooting well — Minnesota is shooting 63 percent while Michigan State is making more than 53 percent of their buckets.

The Spartans also have the advantage shooting beyond the arch, hitting 5-of-6 from the three-point line. Minnesota has only made two three-points attempts on six tries.

To contrast, both teams are shooting very poorly from the free-throw line. Both teams combined are shooting 4-for-14.