Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, Jan. 5, 2024 ~ The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 92-61 to secure their first conference win home at the Breslin Center.
In the first half, the Spartans shot nearly 65% from the field as a team, Malik Hall being a prominent scorer. Hall tied his career high in points with 24, followed by Tyson Walker who had his usual scoring night with 22. Penn State struggled in the first half with 14 turnovers, six of which Walker stole in the first half. With Hall and Walker’s combined efforts, Michigan State led by 25 heading into halftime.
Overall, the Nittany Lions had a poor shooting night from deep, going 3-29 from three-point range. Penn State’s Kanye Clary did his best to close the gap with his contribution of 21 points. However, the effort wasn’t enough to overcome Michigan State’s dominant lead due to Penn State’s excessive turnovers.
The Spartans are now on a five-game winning streak. From starting their season with four wins and five losses, Michigan State now has been able to switch gears and turn their season around.
PODCAST:
Jan. 5, 2024 ~ The Spartans blew out the Penn State Nittany Lions 92-61 at the Breslin Center. Michigan State Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo talks with Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, and Steve Courtney about the team’s turnaround as they head into the bulk of Big Ten play.
(CONTINUED) Spartans Head Coach Tom Izzo offered post-game comments on Michigan State’s beginning of the season troubles compared to now:
“We missed a bunch of shots [In previous games] …tonight we shot 77% from the free throw line… we were shooting 61% from the free throw line. And then the injuries a little bit… learning how to play without Jackson [Kohler] when we thought he would be something. Trying to play some freshman when Jermey was there. As you look around the country, not many people are playing freshman, which to me is still sad, but those are all things that are part of the learning curve. We hit some good teams that played good.”
The Spartans now improve to 1-2 in the Big Ten Conference. Michigan State looks to continue their hot streak in another Big Ten matchup against Northwestern this Sunday. Coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. on 760 WJR.
760 WJR TOP SPORTS STORIES:
