Photo: Matt Krohn ~ USA TODAY Sports
MINNEAPOLIS, MN, March 14, 2024 ~ The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 77-67, in round two of the Big Ten Tournament at Target Center in Minneapolis.
The Spartans had a slow start. Before you could blink, Michigan State was down 7-0. Fortunately for Michigan State, they caught right back up, making it a back-and-forth first half. Spartans’ Jaden Akins led the team in the first half, scoring seven points of perfect efficiency from the field. With the effort, Michigan State only trailed by two heading into halftime.
PODCAST:
March 15, 2024 ~ In today’s “JR Morning,” WJR Sports Analyst Steve Courtney and MSU’s Tom Izzo unpacked the Spartans’ recent 77-67 victory over Minnesota. They zeroed in on the guards’ standout performance, overcoming foul issues, and the implications for March Madness. Izzo shared optimism about his team’s trajectory. The duo also previewed a looming rematch with Purdue, recalling a six-point upset, and the defeated team’s readiness for redemption. Coverage of MSU vs. Purdue begins today, Friday March 15 at 11 a.m. on 760 WJR.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Whole squad effort 🙌 pic.twitter.com/6iHZn6JhzY
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 14, 2024
(CONTINUED) The game was heated coming out of halftime. Each team wasn’t willing to give the other an inch. However, with only about seven minutes to play, Michigan State was able to go on a 9-2 run, giving them enough of a cushion for the remainder of the game. The Spartans received plenty of help offensively from Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard, who combined for 23 points in the second half. Hoggard played arguably the biggest role in this game for Michigan State as he didn’t miss a shot.
This win propells the Spartans to the third round of the tournament where they’ll face off against the No.3 ranked Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue is currently the #1 seed in the Big Ten and defeated Michigan State just a couple of weeks ago. The Spartans will need to have everything going their way, as tip-off for the matchup is set for Friday. Coverage starts at 11 a.m. on 760 WJR.
