Michigan State Overcame Surprising Deficit in 14-Point Victory

Michigan State basketball defeated Bowling Green after a rough start.
Nov 16, 2024; East Lansing, Michigan, USA;  Michigan State Spartans center Carson Cooper (15), center Szymon Zapala (10) and guard Tre Holloman (5) look on from the bench during the second half against the Bowling Green Falcons at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Carson Cooper (15), center Szymon Zapala (10) and guard Tre Holloman (5) look on from the bench during the second half against the Bowling Green Falcons at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images / Dale Young-Imagn Images

Michigan State had a rocky start in its matchup against Bowling Green, struggling to find its rhythm in the early stages of the game.

The Falcons, with their quick pace, came out strong, forcing the Spartans to play catch-up throughout much of the first half. MSU’s offense looked disjointed, with turnovers and missed opportunities disrupting any flow. Despite their difficulties, the Spartans’ defense kept them in the game, limiting Bowling Green’s ability to pull away.

The early part of the first half saw MSU unable to get comfortable on either side of the ball. It had trouble converting in transition and was inconsistent with its shot selection.

Meanwhile, Bowling Green capitalized on MSU's mistakes, hitting timely shots and taking advantage of defensive lapses. The Falcons’ high-energy play gave them a brief but significant advantage as they stayed within striking distance. The Spartans seemed to struggle with the intensity of the game and could not find an answer for the Falcons' perimeter shooting.

However, as the game wore on, MSU started to show signs of life. The team regrouped during halftime, with adjustments made to both the offensive and defensive schemes.

When the second half began, the Spartans came out with renewed focus and energy. They began to push the ball more effectively, working the offense with better ball movement and finding better shooting opportunities. The defense also stepped up, creating more turnovers and forcing Bowling Green to take contested shots.

What helped MSU pull away in the second half was its depth. Seven Spartans finished in double figures, underscoring the balanced scoring attack that eventually overwhelmed the Falcons. As the game progressed, Bowling Green’s defense could not keep up with the Spartans’ fresh legs and increased intensity. MSU's ability to share the scoring load became evident, with multiple players stepping up at crucial moments.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, MSU had secured a comfortable 86-72 victory. Despite their early struggles, the Spartans showed resilience and depth in their comeback, particularly in the second half. The balanced scoring attack and improved defense allowed MSU to finish strong and come away with a solid win, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.


Published |Modified