5 Observations: Michigan State dominates 2nd half in win over Rutgers
In a battle between two of the top defensive teams in the Big Ten, Michigan State used a huge second-half run to cruise to a 73-55 win over Rutgers on Sunday afternoon in East Lansing.
The Spartans got off to an excellent start defensively, but struggled on the offensive end against the Big Ten's top defense. After MSU jumped to an 8-3 lead to start, Rutgers went on a 7-0 run to take its first lead of the game. After both teams traded punches for much of the first half, Michigan State closed the frame with an 8-1 run to take a 28-22 lead into halftime.
The Spartans lead grew to nine quickly in the second half on a Malik Hall 3-pointer, but the Scarlet Knights responded with a 14-3 run to retake the lead themselves, 36-34, with 15 minutes left to play.
It was all Michigan State from there however, as the Spartans completely shut down Rutgers with their defense and went on a 19-0 run to take a commanding 53-36 lead. With the Scarlet Knights offensive woes continuing, MSU was able to cruise to an 18-point victory after that second-half surge.
1.) Michigan State cleans up TOs
The Spartans were giving the ball up way too often in the first half today, with seven before the break. Rutgers scored eight points off those first half miscues. However, in the second half, Michigan State cleaned things up on the offensive end and it was a major reason why they were able to take control of this game.
The Scarlet Knights are very limited on the offensive end. They rely on their defense to generate offense. MSU had just two turnovers in the second half, and the Spartans were able to find an offensive rhythm as a result.
2.) Spartans heat up from deep
Rutgers' tough defense made offense hard to come by for Michigan State, but the Spartans prevailed on the strength of its 3-point shooting. Three Spartan guards — Tre Holloman, Jaden Akins and Tyson Walker — each knocked down a trio of 3-point baskets to ignite MSU's offense.
Holloman was particularly effective today, scoring nine points while handing out six assists without a turnover in an excellent performance. Walker shot just 4-of-12 from the floor, but was 3-of-7 from outside on his way to 13 points. The fifth-year senior also had four assists. Finally, Akins scored also scored nine point on three 3s, adding four rebounds.
Starting point guard A.J. Hoggard struggled early in this one, but he too had a solid all-around performance with seven points, four rebounds and six assists. As a team, Michigan State shot 12-of-25 (48%) from 3-point range and that was one of the differences in the game.
3.) Malik Hall plays well again
We came down pretty hard on Malik Hall for his no-show game against Northwestern last week, but the fifth-year senior deserves credit for bouncing back in these last two games. Hall was arguably the Spartans' best player in the loss to No. 10 Illinois, and he led MSU in scoring today with 15 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting. The senior added six rebounds and two assists.
Consistency has been the issue throughout Hall's career, but he's been very good in four out of the last five games for MSU. In the four games sandwiched around the empty box score he had against Northwestern, Hall is averaging 17.8 points on 63.6% shooting, as well as 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
4.) MSU's rebounding is improving
Rebounding was a major concern for Michigan State early this season, but the Spartans have steadily improved in that area over the last month and a half. Today, MSU out-rebounded Rutgers 37-30, and had an edge on the offensive glass (8-6) as well.
With this result, the Spartans have won the battle on the boards for the eighth consecutive game, and MSU has not allowed any of their previous three opponents reach double digits in offensive rebounds. Granted, Michigan State has lost two of its past three, but those defeats have had more to do with defensive lapses than anything else. It appears the Spartans have made strides in the rebounding department, and that's an encouraging sign going forward.
5.) Steven Izzo scores first career points
With the game in hand in the final minute, a moment Michigan State fans and everyone associated with the program have been waiting for finally happened.
Steven Izzo, fifth-year senior and son of head coach Tom Izzo, hit his defender with a between-the-legs crossover to create just enough separation to throw up a wild floater while being fouled. The shot bounced around the rim before falling through the net, sending the Spartan bench and the entirety of the Breslin Center into a frenzy. Izzo converted the free throw to finish with three points, the first of his career in his 43rd appearance.
It was a special moment for Steven, for Tom and everyone who got to witness it today at the Breslin. Check out the highlight below:
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