The Gophers men’s basketball team had little business sticking with Michigan State at Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich., on Thursday.

Minnesota was without starting point guard Elijah Hawkins and two key players were mired in foul trouble all evening.

And those that played, collectively turned the ball over in bunches.

Despite those factors, the Gophers, an 11.5-point underdog, tied the Spartans 62-62 with five minutes remaining, but faded late in a 76-66 loss.

Hawkins, who sprained his ankle in the Iowa loss on Monday, was ruled out before the game. Mike Mitchell Jr. stepped into that role, playing all 40 minutes and scoring 14 points.

Dawson Garcia continued to come on strong in the second half, with 13 of his 22 points coming after the break.

But Minnesota (12-6, 3-4 Big Ten) has its losing streak reach three after a seven-game winning streak.

The Gophers had a chance for their first Quad 1 win of the season, a road victory over a Top 75 team. Michigan State (11-7, 2-4) is 21st in NET rankings.

Minnesota had 19 total turnovers, which led to 21 points for Michigan State.

Christie and Payne each pick up four within the first four minutes of the second half. They each picked up three in the first half.

When Christie picked up his fourth and fifth fouls, Spartans students both times chanted “Max is better!” referencing Cam’s older brother, an ex-Spartan-turned Los Angeles Laker guard.

Christie fouled out with eight minutes left in the game and he totaled only 15 minutes, contributing eight points.

Michigan State led 37-32 at halftime thanks to 11 points off 11 turnovers from Minnesota.

With Payne in foul trouble, the Spartans feasted in the paint with a 24-6 scoring margin down low.

The Gophers were able to stay close making three more 3-pointers.

Mitchell hit two treys and busted out of a shooting slump with eight points on 3-of-5 shooting in the first half. In the previous three games, he had a total of nine points on 4-of-20 from the field.

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