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| Keith Appling leads Spartans in 2nd half (Photo courtesy of facebook.com/MSUAthletics) |
Final score: MSU 80 - ILL 75
Michigan State Spartan basketball coaches, players and fans breathed a sign of relief when this one was over. Coming off a tough loss against Indiana, the Spartans were facing a talented and desperate team. Tonight's contest had "trap game" written all over it.
The lack of energy and 9 turnovers created a 10 point deficit at half time. As MSU turned the ball over and missed open shots Illinois took advantage to built a 8-0 lead. The Spartans got with in 3 at the 3:00 minute mark, but the Fight Illini heated up and ended the half on 7-0 run. The half time score was Illini 37 - MSU 27.
After half time MSU came out firing. Lead by junior point guard Keith Appling the Spartans surged ahead with a 14-0 run to start the first 5 minutes. The Spartans shot a blistering 87% (14-16) in the 2nd half but the largest lead of the half was only 8 points. Give Illinois credit, they fought all the way through and MSU had to earn this one tonight. The Illini guards Brandon Paul, DJ Richardson, and Tracy Abrams all reached double digits and combined for 7 three point makes.
The story of the 2nd half was the play of Appling and to a certain extent the resurgent play of freshman guard Denzel Valentine. Appling finished with a game high 24 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 7 assists. The junior captain was a part of three jaw dropping high lights which included assisting on two thunderous dunks and a spin move to a left handed scoop shot over a 6'11" forward.
Valentine who had been dormant offensively since the Purdue game on January 5th came through with a career high 14 points all while playing in foul trouble for most of the 2nd half. Valentine was playing extended minutes due to player injuries to Travis Trice and Gary Harris.
The Spartans continued to get contributions from the front court. Branden Dawson netted 12 points on 4 of 5 shooting which included 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Dawson also grabbed 9 rebounds and has 3 assists. Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix scored 8 points a piece. Nix did not start the game due to missing a class and academic appointments with a tutor.
The concerted effort by MSU to get the ball inside was the cause of multiple turnovers by the guards. Going forward Payne and Nix are going to have to do a better job getting positioning down low.
Free throw shooting was a huge factor in the game for MSU who shot 24 or 34 from the line. 32 of the 34 attempts from the line came in the second half. Their ability to draw fouls and get to line made up for points lost because of turnovers.
Gary Harris could have had another 20 point night had he not left the
game in the 2nd half due to injury. Harris left the game half way through the 2nd half after an
apparent back injury. The freshman shooting guard had 14 points
including 3 of 5 from three point.
Another injury to report was the loss of Travis Trice in the first half. After a drive to the basket Trice appeared to have taken a shot to the face which possibly could have re-injured his nose. Keep your fingers crossed that it was not another concussion.
Post game MSU head coach Tom Izzo was pleased with the victory but not in the way his team played. He is quoted as saying "the team that played harder lost the game."Izzo seemed to be upset the way his team guarded the three point line and their lack of energy in the first half. Izzo said Dawson apologized to the team for not bringing energy that was needed. On Derrick Nix coming off the bench, Izzo called him immature for causing another distraction. He wants Nix to be a better captain but will bench him longer if academic problems persist.
Still have to await updates on Harris and Trice as Coach Izzo was unable to provide specifics.
Michigan State has the next 6 days off before taking on the Minnesota Golden Gophers for a rematch next Wednesday, February 6th at the Breslin Center.
