Minnesota begins B1G Tournament play without key starter
Minnesota is beginning its B1G Tournament slate with a showdown vs. Penn State. Unfortunately, the Gophers are missing a key starter for tip-off.
During the opening broadcast on BTN, reporter Andy Katz revealed that Minnesota’s E.J. Stephens would not be in the starting lineup. According to Katz, Stephens is battling a severe migraine. Sean Sutherlin is starting in place of Stephens.
Report: #Gophers guard EJ Stephens is dealing with a migraine, per BTN’s Andy Katz, and Sean Sutherlin started against Penn State in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday night. Sutherlin is working to see if he can overcome it and still play, Katz said.
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) March 10, 2022
The absence of Stephens is a big one for the Gophers. Stephens started 28 games for Minnesota this season and was the team’s 3rd-leading scorer at 10.6 points per game. He is also a 39% shooter from 3-point range and is averaging 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Per Katz’s report, Stephens might be able to play and is available if he is able to get the migraine to subside in time. For now, Minnesota will try to hang with Penn State without him.
