5 Takeaways: Michigan State pulls away late to beat Indiana State
In their final game in 2023, Michigan State men’s basketball pulled away late in a 87-75 win against Indiana State. The Spartans face the Sycamores’ for the first time since the 1979 national championship which berthed one of the greatest rivalries in sports, Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird.
Forty-four years later, this matchup was just as entertaining as Indiana State came into the game with an 11-1 record while MSU had found a spark with three straight convincing victories. Both teams are good enough to make a run in the NCAA Tournament this season and that was on full display today. Head coach Tom Izzo continues to schedule tough non-conference opponents and this was another one. Here are five takeaways from today’s action…
1.) MSU guards step up without Jeremy Fears
The saddening news last week of Jeremy Fears being shot in the leg hurt Michigan State on and off the court. Sophomore Tre Holloman and Fears are the two guards who come off the bench for the Spartans to spell A.J. Hoggard, Tyson Walker and Jaden Akins. With Fears sidelined, Holloman and Akins each played more minutes and took on larger roles.
Holloman stepped up defensively, slowing down Indiana State with three steals and two blocks while Akins contributed with four offensive rebounds. Michigan State’s four guards combined for 56 of its 87 points, shooting 42% from the field. Against an Indiana State team that’s very guard-reliant, the Spartans’ backcourt had a stellar performance without their freshman.
2.) Fast first half, slower second half
Indiana State plays a very up-tempo style which has contributed to their success this season. The Spartans were able to match that pace of play with the veteran guards and strong defense, forcing the Sycamores into 11 first half turnovers and scoring 17 points off those giveaways. Two alley-oop dunks in transition from Coen Carr at the end of the first frame help Michigan State carry momentum into its locker room.
The second half was a different story. The game slowed down and Indiana State cleaned up those turnover issues. As a result, the Sycamores grabbed hold of the momentum with a 20-9 run after the break. After Indiana State took the lead, Michigan State had to slow the game down and tightened up on defense to regain control. In the end, the Spartans came out on top.
3.) Perimeter defense good but Sycamores shooting was better
Coming into the game, Indiana State had one of the highest scoring offenses in the country, averaging 88.2 points and over 11 3-pointers made per game. That was on display again today as the Sycamores managed to score 75 points and connect on 14-of-35 attempts from three (40%).
The Spartans played well on defense but that didn’t show up in the box score after the game. There were plenty of times where Holloman or Akins put a hand in the shooter's face but a Sycamore still made the shot. It was a huge performance from Indiana State guard Isaiah Swope, who finished with 26 points and made six 3-pointers. Swope kept Indiana State in the game but MSU shut him down late to take the game.
4.) Spartans dominate the interior
Michigan State’s consistent offense came from strong rebounding and points in the paint. The Spartans outrebounded the Sycamores 41-27 with 15 on the offensive glass. Mady Sissoko led the MSU with 12 rebounds, while Malik Hall contributed eight. Scoring-wise, the Spartans had 46 points, in the paint taking advantage of Indiana State’s lack of size in the frontcourt.
Sissoko and Hall both had strong performances with Coen Carr and Carson Cooper contributing a combined seven points and seven rebounds in 33 minutes played. That said, the Xavier Booker saga continues as he did not play today after appearing in the last three games. This seems to be a game-by-game situation that will be monitored for the remainder of the season.
5.) Drawing fouls and making free throws
Part of the Spartans’ offensive woes early this season was the lack of being able to draw fouls and make free throws. That struggle to get to the line has been an issue Izzo has voiced but it came together for MSU today. Coming this game, Michigan State was shooting 63% from the free throw line this season, but the Spartans finished 23-of-27 (85%) from the charity stripe today.
Hoggard and Walker were a perfect 14-for-14, after each has struggled to make free throws consistently this season. Sissoko has shown that he can play at the end of close games because he can make foul shots, and he was 4-of-6 from the line today. The senior center neutralized the Sycamores best forward, Robbie Avila, who was in foul trouble all game. The Spartans have now won four straight games and have found some rhythm on offense heading into conference play and the remainder of the season.
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