Photo: Matthew O’Haren ~ USA TODAY Sports
CENTRE COUNTY, PA, Feb. 16, 2024 ~ The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 80-72 on Wednesday for the second time this season at the Bryce Joran Center in Centre County, PA.
The Spartans were efficient from the jump in this one. Despite the back-and-forth action to start the game, Michigan State went on a 10-0 run with just over eight minutes remaining in the half. Jaden Akins led the Spartans in the first half hitting four threes, allowing Michigan State to gain a 14-point lead as the Spartans closed out the first half.
PODCAST:
Feb. 16, 2024 ~ The Spartans took down Penn State on Wednesday, behind a career night from Malik Hall. 760 WJR‘s Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, and Steve Courtney talk with Michigan State Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo about the win, as well as preparing for the matchup with the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday.
(CONTINUED) The Spartans maintained the same energy entering the second half. Malik Hall became a force of nature for Michigan State, achieving his third career double-double. Hall added to his career night by giving the Spartans his contribution of 29 points, a new career high. With Penn State unable to stop Hall, the Spartans cruised into an eight-point win.
With the win, Michigan State secured just their second road win and their eighth in the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans are currently ranked fifth in the conference with another conference matchup against their in-state rivals Michigan on Saturday. The Spartans travel to the Chrysler Center in Ann Arbor with a chance to improve that road record. Coverage starts at 7 p.m. on 760 WJR.
