Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, MI, Jan. 14, 2024 ~ The Michigan State Spartans achieved their second Big Ten Conference win of the season Sunday, defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 73-55 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
The game stayed close through the first half, with MSU suffering through some inefficiencies offensively coming out the gate. The Spartans only shot 36% from the field in the first half, managing to make it to halftime with a mere six point lead.
Michigan State caught fire however a couple of minutes into the second half, starting a 19-0 run that the Scarlet Knights were unable to recover from. The Spartan offense was led by graduate seniors Tyson Walker and Malik Hall, who combined for 28 points. Michigan State also had valuable contributions from Tre Holloman and Jaden Akins, who each scored 9 points.
VIDEO:
Jan. 14, 2024 ~ MSU Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo addresses the media following his team’s 73-55 win over Rutgers at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
(CONTINUED) One of the major headlines in this one was Spartan senior Steven Izzo, son of Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo, scored his first career field goal with a tough and-1 bucket that the Spartan bench and fans relished.
Postgame, a visibly emotional Coach Izzo commented on his son’s first ever made field goal:
“I was most excited that our players and our fans cared so much about him that they made that more special for me. It was something I’ll never forget.”
With the win, Michigan State’s conference record improves to 2-4, while their overall record improves to 10-7. The Spartans have another opportunity against a Big Ten opponent in their next game, as they are set to face-off against Minnesota on Thursday. Coverage starts at 5:30 p.m. on 760 WJR.
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