The Gophers, a team with a unique identity, faced a significant challenge this year as they hadn't encountered competition as strong as Michigan State. In one stretch of the first half, they were outscored a staggering 20 - 2, with the Spartans reeling off 17 consecutive points after former Cretin-Derham Hall star Tre Holloman's three-pointer made it 29 - 14 with 7:17 remaining. Holloman himself had an impressive eight points and eight assists.

Halftime Setback and Second Half Struggle

At halftime, the Gophers trailed 42 - 30. However, the Spartans extended their advantage to 74 - 54 just under six minutes into the second half. This showed the significant gap in performance between the two teams.

Experience Against Tougher Opponents

Johnson's team had already faced tougher competition when they lost to Wichita State and Wake Forest in Orlando. Both opponents went all out to shut down Garcia, but the Gophers still had a chance to win in the closing moments by defending stoutly. This experience gave them some insights into how to handle tough opponents.

Analysis of Michigan State's Advantage

Michigan State's presence on Wednesday was a different story. They brought more grit along with a longer, deeper, and more athletic team compared to what the Gophers had faced before. Xavier Booker and Coen Carr, who combined for 23 points off the bench, resembled NBA-caliber athletes who were difficult to keep up with on the move. Jaxon Kohler, a 6 - 9, 245 - pound bruiser, pounded his way to 11 points and 11 rebounds. This combination of skills and physicality gave Michigan State a clear edge.

Lessons Learned and the Importance of Consistency

According to Johnson, "What we emphasized and talked about in the scout is exactly what we saw. It's that consistency part. It's not having the breakdowns against good teams. Where one breakdown leads to two and to three." This highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent level of performance and avoiding crucial mistakes against strong opponents. The Gophers now have a lot to learn and work on to improve their game and compete more effectively in the future.