Heading into the third game without star guard Denzel Valentine, the Michigan State Spartans are hoping to do some damage control and keep the losses to a minimum in his 2-3 week absence. His injury time frame is nearly over, so Michigan State will be getting him back before too long, but the Minnesota Golden Gophers will try to take advantage of his recovery time.

Live Basketball : http://usstreams.com/ncaam/

Live Basketball : http://usstreams.com/ncaam/

Must Read: Michigan State Football: Top 50 Spartans in school history

Minnesota isn’t having the best season thus far, starting just 6-7 and needing a miracle run in Big Ten play to keep any hope for an NCAA Tournament appearance alive. Richard Pitino is still trying to mold this team into his own, but the Gophers might just be too big a project.

As for Michigan State, losing to Iowa on Tuesday was a tough blow, but rebounding from a loss can show just how good a team really is. If Bryn Forbes and Eron Harris work together on Saturday afternoon, and beyond, there’s no telling just how good the Spartans can be. Don’t forget about Deyonta Davis who played just 11 minutes against the Hawkeyes.

Will Michigan State stave off a big upset at the hands of the Golden Gophers or will the Spartans take care of business on the road?