An early 72-67 overtime loss Friday night in the Spartans' opening (and only) Big Ten Tournament game could end up being a motivating factor when it comes time to dance in the NCAA Tournament—and they need one right now.

And if the Spartans (24-8) can get fired up like their coach, they could end up being dangerous.

Michigan State, who hasn't won the Big Ten playoffs since 2000, lacked defensive intensity in the absence of Chris Allen—and Minnesota's guards took full advantage of the void left by him.

Devoe Joseph hit momentum killing three-pointer after three-pointer, and Sparty just couldn't answer back. Joseph finished with 17 points, shot 50 percent from beyond the arc (3-for-6), and kept the Gophers'...

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