Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, MI, Nov. 7, 2023 ~ The No.4 ranked Michigan State Spartans faced off against the James Madison Dukes Monday night in the Spartans‘ season opener at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
The Spartans started off the game with miss after miss from the field and from the free throw line. Meanwhile, James Madison had key players Terrance Edwards Jr. and T.J. Bickerstaff carrying the Dukes with a combined 24 points at the half. However, a determined effort from Michigan State allowed the Spartans to only trail by four going into half time. The Spartans shot 12/22 from the free throw line and 10/31 from the field during the first half.
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Nov. 6, 2023 ~ Michigan State Basketball Coach Tom Izzo joins Guy, Lloyd, Jamie, and Steve Courtney ahead of their season opening game, as they get set to face James Madison University at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
(CONTINUED) The game was neck-and-neck all throughout the second half. James Madison’s Michael Green III stepped up big for the Dukes as he had 11 points in the second half. All the while, Bickerstaff continued to play his role with 9 points in the second half.
Michigan State’s Tyson Walker responded to James Madison with 35 points on the night, which is a new career high for him. Walker led Michigan State to overtime as they attempted to close out the game over James Madison.
During overtime, James Madison led by one with 8.6 seconds remaining until Raekwon Horton hit a 3-point dagger to give the Dukes a 4-point cushion that would ultimately lead to their victory 79-76 over Michigan State.
Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo offered post-game comments on Michigan State’s poor shooting performance.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen us shoot the ball that poorly. Definitely not from the line, I don’t think ever. I don’t think I’ve ever had a team go 1/20 from three.”
The Spartans look to rally as they face off against Southern Indiana Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Coverage starts at 6 p.m. on 760 WJR.
PHOTOS:
Nov. 6, 2023 ~ Michigan State‘s Tyson Walker scores as James Madison‘s T.J. Bickerstaff defends during the second half at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The Spartans went on to fall in overtime 79-76.
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