Photo: Dale Young ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, MI, Nov. 19, 2023 ~ The Michigan State Spartans dominated the Alcorn State Braves 81-49 in the first game of the Acrisure Classic without their senior guard Tyson Walker at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
Michigan State started sophomore guard Tre Holloman in the absence of the Big Ten’s leading scorer in Walker. Walker was out due to an illness which left the Spartans missing his usual contribution of roughly 23 points per game.
Michigan State played lights out from the jump without the senior standout. Early on in the first half, Spartans’ Jaden Akins hit a three pointer, followed by Holloman hitting back-to-back three pointers. Michigan State was out to a 14-5 lead that Alcorn State let get out of hand.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Guards had to get a dunk too 😤 pic.twitter.com/5b3zPYbODm
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) November 20, 2023
(CONTINUED) Holloman shot lights out all game shooting 5/5 from the three-point line and finished as the games leading scorer with 17 points. Akins also had 13 points finishing second in scoring for the Spartans. With both players leading the charge, Michigan State led 44-16 at the half.
The two Spartans weren’t the only players who had great offensive nights. Michigan States’ A.J Hoggard and freshman Coen Carr both ended the night with 11 points. Followed by Carr’s freshman counterpart Jermey Fears Jr. with 9 points. With Michigan State’s outstanding offensive effort, Alcorn State was unable to mount a comeback.
Spartans Head Coach Tom Izzo offered post-game comments on how Michigan State dealt with the adversity of knowing they were up against Alcorn State without Walker:
“I thought it was good that our guys responded the way they did. Not only Tre [Holloman] but Jermey [Fears Jr.] and A.J [Hoggard] … nobody felt sorry, everybody was locked in.”
The Spartans look to continue their win streak as they face No. 3 ranked Arizona in their second game of the Acrisure classic in Palm Springs California. Coverage starts live from Acrisure Arena on Thanksgiving at 3 p.m. on 760 WJR.
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