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Tag: MSU
MSU basketball batters Minnesota, 73-51: 3 quick takes
1. Another good win for MSU, but the Spartans need Akins to get his swagger back
EAST LANSING – In the short term, there was a lot for Michigan State to like about how it played in Tuesday night’s 73-51 win over Minnesota — how it defended and rebounded in the first half especially. MSU suffocated the life out of the Gophers’ three-game winning streak and, other than a brief stretch in the second half, there was never really any hope for them.
That’s 13 straight wins for MSU, the most since 2018-19, and a 9-0 Big Ten mark, the best league start since that same season. The Spartans held Minnesota to 16 first half points — seven field goals, 11 turnovers — and didn’t let Gophers star Dawson Garcia score his first bucket until there was 4:15 left until the break and MSU was ahead 21-8. Tre Holloman then hit three of his four first-half 3s in the final 2:20 and it was pretty much over. Late in the second half, with the game well in hand, Gehrig Normand was diving out of bounds after loose balls.
All good stuff.
There’s an argument to be made however, that the three biggest moments of the game came when Jaden Akins hit a 3-pointer — that he needed see go in — early in the second half to make it 41-23, then a reverse layup in traffic eight minutes later, followed quickly by another 3. Those last two came as Minnesota was trying to make things interesting. That’s not why those were big shots, though.
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Akins has been struggling with his shot — in this game and the two before it — and you can see it seeping into his confidence. And how he’s been playing impacted his minutes in this one, with Jeremy Fears Jr., Tre Holloman and Jase Richardson all playing at least five more minutes than the 19 Akins did on Tuesday.
On its face, no big deal. Those other three are really good players. And one of the things Tom Izzo and his staff have done well is truly let the players decide playing time based on how they’re playing. I didn’t necessarily believe it when Izzo first said it before the season, but it’s played out that way.
Yet for as easy as it is to get enamored with the growing games of Fears and Richardson, Coen Carr and others on this roster, this MSU team isn’t going to win squat in the long run without Akins playing with confidence. MSU doesn’t want this to become a Chris Hill 2005 situation (I understand that team did make a Final Four). Akins is too important. He’s not playing very well. You can see the frustration. The Spartans need him to work through it and help him do so. They need him. Akins doesn’t need to be a headliner or 20-point scorer for this team, but he and MSU need him to have his swagger back.
2. If Kohler starts hitting 3s …
Among several reasons to think this MSU team hasn’t become all it can be yet is Jaxon Kohler’s 3-point shot. If and when he starts knocking them down with any regularity, it’ll add a lot — and make this team tough to defend.
Think about what Kenny Goins’ late-career outside shot did for the Spartans in 2018-19. He had made four total before that season and made 56 as a senior and, of course, one unforgettable one. Or for those who really know, think of A.J. Granger, who hit five 3s in his first two seasons at MSU and 72 in his last two. I think Kohler has that potential, because his shot looks good when it leaves his hands. He’s just got to trust it and get his legs into it.
We saw it Tuesday night, when he hit 2 of 4 from beyond the arc in the first half, one from the top of the key, then from the left wing. These were good, open shots. The defense had made its choice — the Gophers didn’t mind Kohler shooting. In the second half, Minnesota made the same choice and Kohler passed up one. He’s going to have to hit a few more before teams consider him a threat.
I think it’s coming. He does, too.
“I have a consistent 3-point shooting plan every day that I work on,” Kohler said during a recent conversation in the locker room after the Illinois game. “I just know one day in one game, they’re going to go in and I won’t look back, because I’ve been working on it a lot. … I just have to shoot with confidence when it’s against other people, you know, in games.”
3. Zapala shows the value of a big man who can exploit a mismatch
One of the elements MSU lacked the last couple years at the center position was the ability to take advantage of a size mismatch on the offensive end, let alone counter teams that had size themselves.
Minnesota’s recent success has come in part because the Gophers have gone small/thinner, featuring 6-11 Dawson Garcia at the 5, next to 6-8 forward Parker Fox. That would have worked perfectly against the Spartans last season. Tuesday night, because of Szymon Zapala’s good hands, size and strength and skill and positioning around the rim, the matchup was a problem for the Gophers immediately.
Zapala pulled down two offensive rebounds on the first possession, then posted up and scored on the next. A couple possessions later, MSU went to him again and he was fouled inside, which led to an MSU score. The Gophers, which began with Garcia on him, seemed to move away from that matchup then, perhaps to avoid their star getting in foul trouble.
Zapala’s start didn’t lead to a ton. Just a 4-0 start that set the tone inside and on the glass.
There are number of areas where this team is better than a year ago. None more important, I’d argue, than the center spot. Some of that is improvement by Carson Cooper — who had 11 rebounds Tuesday — and Jaxon Kohler, who’s played a fair bit of center, too. But it begins with Zapala. We saw his value right out of the gate Tuesday.
Contact Graham Couch at gcouch@lsj.com. Follow him on X @Graham_Couch and BlueSky @GrahamCouch.
- Dominant Defense: The Michigan State basketball team put on a defensive clinic against Minnesota, holding the Golden Gophers to just 51 points. The Spartans suffocated Minnesota’s offense, forcing turnovers and contesting every shot. This strong defensive showing will be crucial as MSU looks to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
- Balanced Scoring Attack: MSU showcased their offensive depth in this game, with multiple players contributing on the scoring front. Aaron Henry led the way with 21 points, but other players like Gabe Brown and Joey Hauser also chipped in with double-digit scoring performances. This balanced attack will make the Spartans a tough team to defend moving forward.
- Big Ten Contenders: With this convincing win over Minnesota, Michigan State has once again proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten conference. The Spartans are currently sitting near the top of the standings and will be looking to continue their strong play as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. Expect MSU to be a serious contender in the conference tournament and beyond.
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How to watch MSU Hockey vs. Minnesota today: Time, TV channel
Michigan State hockey welcomes Minnesota to Munn Ice Arena for a big-time top-five weekend series starting on Friday.
The Spartans and Golden Gophers will battle it out for first place in the Big Ten this weekend, with Michigan State playing host. Michigan State took five of six points in the first series at Minnesota earlier this year.
Michigan State comes into this matchup with a 19-3-2 overall record on the year. Minnesota also has an impressive mark with a record of 19-5-2. Michigan State holds a one-point lead over Minnesota in Big Ten standings for first place.
Here’s how to watch the Michigan State hockey game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
What channel is the Michigan State vs. Minnesota on today? Time, TV schedule
TV Channel: Big Ten Plus (streaming only)
Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on Twitter @RobertBondy5.
If you’re a fan of Michigan State University hockey and don’t want to miss their game against Minnesota today, here’s all the information you need to tune in:Time: The game is scheduled to start at [insert time here].
TV channel: You can catch the action on [insert TV channel here].
Don’t forget to grab your favorite snacks and cheer on the Spartans as they take on Minnesota in what is sure to be an exciting matchup! Go green! #MSUHockey #GoGreen
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Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings following MSU vs. Illinois game
This weekend felt like a turning point in the Big Ten basketball season. With a huge slate of games around the conference, headlined by Michigan State’s dramatic win over Illinois, we are starting to get a clearer picture of the conference and how things might shake up down the stretch.
With this year’s addition of former PAC-12 juggernauts like Oregon, UCLA, and USC, the conference slate has never been more difficult, and we have seen several talented teams have difficulty finding conference wins in the most difficult basketball conference in the country.
Below, we try to make sense of what we’ve seen this season with our Big Ten Power Rankings, starting from worst to first.
Dale Young-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 10-8
Conference Record: 1-6
Perhaps no team has suffered more from the expanded Big Ten schedule than Washington. The Huskies have only managed to get one win in Big Ten play this year, and it came at home against Maryland, who is terrible on the road, and it was still a narrow win. I think Danny Sprinkle is a solid coach who will eventually turn things around at Washington, but it will be hard to dig his way out of the position they are in this year.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 9-9
Conference Record: 1-6
Minnesota has the worst overall record in the Big Ten, but they did manage to knock off a powerful Michigan team last week. We’ll see if they can carry that momentum into a match-up on the road against Iowa.
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 10-8
Conference Record: 2-5
Michigan State fans know first hand that this Ohio State team isn’t a pushover, and they also have been on the wrong side of some very close games. The Buckeyes are in the middle of a three-game losing streak, but only lost those three games by a combined total of five points. At the end of the day though, a loss is a loss and this Buckeye team is now stuck near the bottom of the Big Ten.
David Banks-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 11-7
Conference Record: 2-5
I thought Northwestern would be a little better this year, but that’s how it goes when you are in such a tough conference. Northwestern had a chance to knock off Michigan this weekend, but fell short, and that’s why they are where they are.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 11-7
Conference Record: 3-4
I honestly wanted to put USC lower on this list, because I don’t think they are that good, personally, but I can’t deny that their road win over Illinois was impressive. MSU fans saw how good that Illinois team was, and USC handled them in Champaign.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Overall Record: 12-6
Conference Record: 2-5
I have gone on the record that I think Penn State is a well-coached, solid team. Unfortunately, they are lacking some talent. After getting pulverized by Illinois, Penn State fought hard, but ultimately came up close, in losses to MSU and Oregon. I think they will bounce back but I’m not sure they have the horses to make a big push this year. That being said, they are still the only Big Ten team to beat Purdue, and that means something.
Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images
Overall Record: 12-6
Conference Record: 2-5
After a 12-2 start to the season, Nebraska is in the middle of a four-game losing streak as the wheels continue to come off. Nebraska this year has lost to MSU by 37 points, and Purdue by 36, but they’ve also had some nice wins as well over Creighton and UCLA. What is the real version of Nebraska? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Overall Record: 12-6
Conference Record: 3-4
I can’t have Iowa any higher on this list. With no ranked wins and two straight losses, this is looking like a down year for the Hawkeyes.
Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard via Imagn Content Services, LLC
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Overall Record: 12-6
Conference Record: 3-4
I will be honest, I cannot figure UCLA out. This team beat Oregon on the road, and Gonzaga at home, then rattled off four of the most pathetic losses I’ve seen this year in a row, leading to their coach, Mick Cronin, to repeatedly question and challenge his players in his post game press conferences. Then, they absolutely beat the brakes off of Iowa by 24 points. This is a team that is extremely unpredictable, but they are dangerous.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 10-8
Conference Record: 3-4
Everyone knows that Rutgers has some of the best talent in the country this year, with two sure-fire NBA players on their roster. In college basketball, however, talent isn’t everything, and an inexperienced Rutgers team has hit some stumbling blocks this year. I think they will get better as they go, but a near .500 overall record is pretty shocking considering their talent level.
David Banks-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 14-5
Conference Record: 4-4
When Maryland is at home, they become one of the best teams in the country, only losing to No. 7 Marquette on their home court. We’ll see if they can find their footing on enemy territory when they play on the road at Illinois this week.
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 14-5
Conference Record: 5-3
It’s been a rough week of basketball for Indiana. The Hoosiers were completely embarrassed by Iowa and Illinois, but they did manage to hold on to narrowly beat Ohio State on the road, or things might have gotten ugly for them.
Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images
Overall Record: 14-5
Conference Record: 4-3
The other big Big Ten game this weekend was played between Purdue and Oregon, and the Boilermakers took down the Ducks on the road. This was a momentous win and shuffled the pecking order in the Big Ten. Oregon will have to play a few games against lower ranked Big Ten teams before they get a shot at Michigan on Feb. 5 to try and push their way back into the upper echelons of the conference.
Nick King/LSJ
Overall Record: 13-5
Conference Record: 5-3
Give them credit. Illinois threw everything they had at MSU on Sunday, but the Spartans survived, and the Illini fell, and now they will need to build their way back up the conference standings.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 15-3
Conference Record: 5-2
Their winning streak has been overshadowed by MSU’s run, but Wisconsin is on a seven-game winning streak, and only one of the games was even that close. The Badgers don’t play another ranked opponent until Feb. 15 against Purdue so don’t be surprised if that winning streak keeps up for a little while longer.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 13-4
Conference Record: 5-1
If it wasn’t for one Dawson Garcia three-point heave, Michigan would have a claim for the No. 1 spot in the conference. Either way, this is a great team, and I suspect the title for best in the Big Ten will ultimately come down to the last game of the season in the Breslin Center against MSU.
Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 15-4
Conference Record: 7-1
While MSU’s win over Illinois was huge, Purdue’s win over Oregon was even more impressive, as the Boilermakers took down the Ducks on the road. Without a loss to the scrappy Penn State Nittany Lions, that win would have put them in the No. 1 spot.
David Banks-Imagn Images
Overall Record: 16-2
Conference Record: 7-0
What else is there to say? Tom Izzo is in the middle of his best winning streak in years. He has a classic Tom Izzo roster that plays hard defense, rebounds like mad men, and run the court all night. It’s beautiful to see, and Spartan fans have every right to let themselves feel excited.
- Michigan State Spartans – Despite a tough loss to Illinois, the Spartans remain at the top of the Big Ten power rankings with their strong overall performance this season.
- Illinois Fighting Illini – After a thrilling win against Michigan State, the Fighting Illini have solidified their spot as a contender in the Big Ten.
- Iowa Hawkeyes – The Hawkeyes continue to impress with their offensive firepower and have the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
- Wisconsin Badgers – Wisconsin has been consistent throughout the season and remains a strong contender in the Big Ten.
- Purdue Boilermakers – Purdue has shown flashes of brilliance this season and could be a dark horse in the conference tournament.
- Ohio State Buckeyes – The Buckeyes have had their ups and downs this season but have the talent to compete with the best teams in the Big Ten.
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights – Rutgers has been a surprise team this season and has the potential to make some noise in the conference tournament.
- Michigan Wolverines – Michigan has struggled recently but still has the talent to make a run in the postseason.
- Maryland Terrapins – Maryland has had a disappointing season but could still make a late push in the conference tournament.
- Indiana Hoosiers – Indiana has been inconsistent this season but could still be a dangerous team in the postseason.
Overall, the Big Ten conference is shaping up to be highly competitive with several teams capable of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
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Schifsky’s OT winner pushes UM past MSU to open rivalry series
Ann Arbor — Over the course of a five-year college hockey career, Michigan goaltender Logan Stein has given up his fair share of bad goals and assorted clunkers. Friday night? A back-breaker 2:04 into an emotional rivalry game against Michigan State.
Instead of letting the goal sink him, Stein delivered a 35-save performance to outduel Michigan State’s Trey Augustine, one of the top goaltenders in the sport. The first-ranked Spartans (18-3-2, 9-2-2 Big Ten) dropped a 3-2 overtime loss to No. 10 Michigan after taking two separate leads.
Forward Garrett Schifsky scored the overtime winner a minute into regulation. But Michigan’s real hero was Stein. After capitalizing on the early blunder, Michigan State struggled to beat him despite playing the better of the two rivals.
“Everyone makes mistakes. He’d like that goal back,” Michigan coach Brandon Naurato said of his goaltender. “But how he responded was big time.”
Stein’s gaffe came on just the second shot he faced, a sharp-angle shot by Michigan State’s Karsen Dorwart. After the game, the forward didn’t even pretend to have released it with any hope of a goal. But a puck thrown toward the net is one that can go in, and a napping Stein let it past him to give the Spartans the early 1-0 lead on away ice.
The game could’ve quickly turned into a rout, like so many games before in both this rivalry and Stein’s career. Michigan State thrived in the first period, more than doubling Michigan’s shots 15-7 and generating a number of high quality chances. Stein could’ve let any of them in, just like he blundered Dorwart’s shot. But he didn’t, and a one-goal game was well within reach for Michigan (14-8-1, 8-5-0 Big Ten).
“For me, it was just resetting,” Stein said. “And I knew I put in the work all week. I knew I was going to play well. It was just about resetting and refocusing on my efforts to the next shift.”
At the other end of the ice stood Augustine, one of the top players in the sport and fresh off backstopping Team USA to its first ever back-to-back World Junior Championship gold.
“Obviously Trey is the class of college hockey as far as goaltending is concerned,” Stein said. “And it’s awesome for me to be able to test myself going up against him.”
Stein overcame a lot to get this win, including his team’s own play. For the first 40 minutes, the Wolverines looked disjointed, struggling to break past a more organized Michigan State structure in the neutral zone. Attacks stalled at the blue line, let alone at the net. The Spartans played like a contender, while the Wolverines played a step or two behind.
But then, a lapse gave Michigan a break. After defenseman Hunter Hady leveled Michigan State blueliner David Gucciardi with a hit, his defense partner Nicklas Andrews slashed Hady and headed to the penalty box. Seventeen seconds into the advantage, forward Will Horcoff pulled even with a tip-in goal.
“I respect Nicky, because I believe in sticking up for your teammate, too,” Michigan State coach Adam Nightingale said. “But you can also take a number, right? It’s a long series. … We can’t put ourselves in that spot.”
Entering the third period of a tense rivalry, both sides started on equal footing. Michigan took control early, but Michigan State took the lead. A bad line change burned the Wolverines, and Spartans forward Joey Larson scorched Stein with a backhand for the 2-1 lead. With 11:35 to play, Michigan State had control.
“They’re down, right?” Nightingale said. “So they’re gonna push and take some chances, and we probably gotta do a better job bumping them and different things.”
It cost the Spartans. With 5:35 to play, Michigan forward T.J. Hughes batted down a blast from the point and beat Augustine with his own backhand. The goal was one of two shots Augustine faced in the final frame, compared to 16 in the earlier two periods combined.
“I think we did a lot of good things,” Dorwart said. “But at the end of the day you gotta put the nail in the coffin.”
The remaining minutes tested both netminders, with both living up to the pressure to force overtime. Once there, Schifsky decided the goalie duel by sneaking between three Michigan State defenders and ripping a shot past Augustine. As he mimed playing the violin in celebration, he struck the final chords to Stein’s comeback song.
Stein finished with 35 saves in the win, tying the most he’s made in a game since Oct. 11 at Arizona State. Augustine finished with 29 saves on 32 shots in just his third loss of the season in 16 starts.
The Spartans played well enough to win this game but didn’t find the finish to win. This marks two straight overtime losses, with a shootout loss to Penn State coming last Saturday.
With home ice on the horizon as the teams finish the weekend series Saturday at Munn Ice Arena (7 p.m., BTN), Michigan State looks to bounce back.
“I think you try and learn something from every game,” Dorwart said. “Obviously with losses you learn a little bit more about yourself and we’re gonna learn how we respond tomorrow.”
@ConnorEaregood
In a thrilling showdown between bitter rivals, the University of Michigan Wolverines emerged victorious over the Michigan State Spartans in a nail-biting overtime finish. The hero of the night? None other than forward Alex Schifsky, whose clutch goal sealed the deal for the Wolverines and ignited a frenzy among fans at Yost Ice Arena.The game was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish, with both teams trading blows and momentum swings throughout. But when the game reached overtime, it was Schifsky who rose to the occasion, capitalizing on a golden opportunity to secure the win for Michigan.
The victory was a crucial one for the Wolverines, as it not only gave them bragging rights over their rivals but also set the tone for the rest of the series. With tensions running high and emotions running even higher, this win will undoubtedly fuel the fire for the remainder of the matchups between these two powerhouse programs.
As the Wolverines celebrate their hard-fought victory, they know that the road ahead will only get tougher. But with players like Schifsky leading the charge, there’s no doubt that Michigan is ready to take on whatever challenges come their way. Stay tuned for more thrilling hockey action as this rivalry series continues to heat up! #GoBlue #MichiganHockey #RivalryWeek
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How to watch MSU Hockey vs. Michigan today: Time, TV channel
One of the best rivalries in college hockey will be renewed on Friday night.
Top-ranked Michigan State hockey heads to rival Michigan on Friday night in a battle of top 10 teams from Ann Arbor, Mich. This will be the first of four scheduled meetings between the Spartans and Wolverines this season, with Michigan taking a return trip to Munn Ice Arena on Saturday night.
Michigan State comes into this game with an impressive 18-2-2 overall record on the year. The Spartans at the top of the Big Ten standings with 28 points — which is one point ahead of Minnesota.
Michigan is 13-8-1 overall this year and is currently fifth in the Big Ten. The Wolverines are also ranked in the top 10 nationally and look to be in position for another NCAA Tournament trip this year.
Here’s how to watch the Michigan State hockey game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
What channel is the Michigan State vs. Michigan on today? Time, TV schedule
TV Channel: Big Ten Plus (streaming only)
Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on Twitter @RobertBondy5.
If you’re a fan of college hockey and don’t want to miss the epic showdown between Michigan State University and the University of Michigan today, we’ve got you covered! Here’s how you can catch all the action:The game is set to start at [insert time] and will be broadcasted on [insert TV channel]. So grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for an exciting match-up between these two fierce rivals. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness some top-notch hockey and cheer on your favorite team to victory!
Let us know in the comments who you think will come out on top in this highly anticipated game. Go Spartans/Wolverines! #MSUHockey #MichiganHockey #CollegeHockey #RivalryGame #WatchLive
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MSU football WR transfer Antonio Gates Jr. commits to Delaware State
Michigan State football lost wide receiver Antonio Gates Jr. to the transfer portal, when the former four star recruit decided to leave East Lansing after two years with the program.
Following the decision, Gates has found a new home, deciding to commit to Delaware State University, a member of the FCS’s MEAC.
In his two years in East Lansing, Gates played in 14 games, catching 9 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. He will now be a part of a team coached by former NFL star wide receiver Desean Jackson.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner
Antonio Gates Jr., the son of former NFL star Antonio Gates, has announced his commitment to play football at Delaware State University. The talented wide receiver is transferring from Michigan State University, where he had limited playing time as a freshman.Gates Jr. is looking to make a name for himself at Delaware State and showcase his skills on the field. With his speed, agility, and strong hands, he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Hornets’ offense.
The decision to transfer to Delaware State was not an easy one for Gates Jr., but he is confident that it is the right move for his career. He is excited to join the Hornets and help lead the team to success in the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Antonio Gates Jr. and his journey at Delaware State University. #GoHornets
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MSU basketball finally pulls away from Western Michigan: 3 quick takes
1. That was MSU’s worst game in an otherwise impressive start
EAST LANSING – For the first time I can recall this season, Michigan State’s basketball team lacked a little sharpness, cohesiveness and zest all in the same game in Monday’s 80-62 win over Western Michigan, which felt nothing like the final score.
“I thought we played like we thought we were going to win the game,” Tom Izzo said afterward.
Even the crowd was a little off. The loudest Breslin Center ever got was when a fan made a full-court hockey shot as part of a promotion during a timeout. Usually holiday crowds are electric.
“That crowd was so ready to explode,” Izzo said. “And we gave them nothing.”
Give WMU credit, though. The Broncos played well and were up for the fight. Dwayne Stephens’ team has a lot of familiar traits. MSU struggled against its mirror image defensively. If WMU plays with that focus, consistency and punch offensively the rest of the season, the Broncos will do well in the MAC.
If MSU plays like this Friday night, the Spartans will lose at Ohio State.
And if this is the worst of an 11-2 start, it’s probably no big deal. There are a dozen other games — and a bunch in a row beginning with the finale in Maui — that suggest you can trust this MSU team night in and night out.
Jaden Akins saved them early Monday. They’re depth saved them late.
Maybe this team is just ready for something besides nonleague play against mid-majors, mostly in front of home crowds.
They’ll get their wish. Nothing but Big Ten play from now until the middle of March.
This MSU team earned the buzz it created with its start to the season. Monday was the first time the Spartans didn’t live up to it.
“I’m looking for us to be different,” Izzo said. “That’s our battle cry: Be different.”
2. Akins’ scoring kept things from getting too dicey
Being a go-to scorer is partly about coming up with big buckets at big moments in big games. It’s also sometimes about producing points in volume on days like Monday, when things are otherwise a little off.
Jaden Akins did that for the Spartans against WMU. While little else clicked, he was a bucket-getter in the first half, with 11 points before the break, providing consistent offense. He finished with 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting in 24 minutes. Nothing flashy, but needed.
There were other good performances — Tre Holloman’s three 3s and six assists, Jase Richardson’s nine points on four shots, Coen Carr’s second half, Carson Cooper’s career-high 13 points and six rebounds. But Akins was a consistent threat on offense on a day MSU needed it, especially early.
That’s 17 or more points for Akins in three of his last four games, with 13 in the other. Like with most of this team, we’ll have to see what Akins does game to game in the Big Ten. But there’s increasing evidence he’s going to provide leading-scorer-type offense consistently.
3. Jase Richardson with a game that deserves further mention
On a day when MSU wasn’t all that efficient, Jase Richardson couldn’t have been more efficient. It’s not just that he made all four shots he attempted. It’s that they weren’t easy shots — off the dribble, step backs, while drawing contact, all inside the arc. When Richardson puts up a shot, you just sort of assume it’s going in.
The question now is can MSU get this sort of efficiency and increase his volume. He’s MSU’s smoothest offensive player and has yet to take more than eight shots in a single game this year. Monday, in 24 minutes, his plus-minus was a whopping plus-27, when no one else other than Coen Carr was better than plus-13.
One of the reasons to think this MSU team might have something special in it is the notion that Richardson is just getting started.
Contact Graham Couch at gcouch@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Graham_Couch and on BlueSky @GrahamCouch.
- Strong defense leads the way: The Spartans held the Broncos to just 57 points, showcasing their defensive prowess and ability to shut down opponents when it matters most.
- Balanced scoring attack: Five players scored in double figures for MSU, including standout performances from Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown. This balanced scoring distribution makes the team a tough matchup for any opponent.
- Closing out games: After struggling to close out games in the past, the Spartans showed their ability to pull away from Western Michigan in the second half and secure a comfortable victory. This newfound ability to finish strong bodes well for their upcoming matchups in conference play.
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#MSU #basketball #finally #pulls #Western #Michigan #quick #takes
Victim killed in Oxford shooting spree was psychologist, MSU professor
For psychologist and teacher Barbara Wolf, helping people was part of her life’s work.
So when she saw a stranded motorist on the side of the road Christmas Eve, authorities said, the 71-year-old healer and educator stopped to help.
Tragically, her life would end as the man who was stuck in a ditch pulled a gun on her, and fatally shot her.
“This vile and disturbing violent act is so heinous on multiple levels and the suspect deserves to be held fully accountable and never see the light of day,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement Saturday, four days after a gunman shot multiple people on a back road in Oxford Township.
Wolf, of Oxford Township, died in the rampage. Her 38-year-old daughter who was in the car with her was shot, but is expected to recover. One other person also was injured.
Bouchard’s comments came shortly after murder, carjacking and weapons charges were announced against the suspect: Malik Webb, a 29-year-old ex-convict from Genesee County who has a history of gun violence and was paroled early last year, despite getting convicted of another gun crime while behind bars.
“This is another tragic case where a convicted felon with past weapon offenses was out too early and in a position to hurt others. There must be changes in our criminal justice system that prevents people who have been caught carrying and using weapons illegally from simply being cycled back out to harm others,” Bouchard said. “They must know of predictable and harsh punishment and receive it when they commit those crimes.”
“Instead,” Bouchard continued, “we have a grieving family that now will mark a treasured time of year as a reminder of a preventable murder.”
Wolf was an assistant professor at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and worked as a clinical psychologist with the McLaren Health Care system, which called the tragedy “a senseless act of violence that took the life of one of our best.”
“As news has spread about this tragedy, there is immense grief, shock, and sadness from the many lives that Barb touched, both within McLaren and in the communities she served,” the hospital system said in a statement, stressing Wolf was devoted to the “mental health and emotional well-being of so many as a clinical psychologist and teacher.”
Dr. Wolf will be remembered for her heart, spirit, and kind presence. Her career was one of service to our patients, our providers, our trainees, and the communities McLaren is honored to serve. The hearts of all at McLaren are with her family and friends, and all those who knew our beloved colleague and dear friend as they grieve this tragedy.”
Webb, who is being held without bond, was arraigned Saturday in 52-1 District Court in Novi on multiple charges, including felony murder, carjacking and being a felon in possession. If convicted of the murder charge, he faces a mandatory life sentence, without the possibility of parole.
According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, here is the series of events that occurred in Oxford Township on Christmas Eve, when multiple good Samaritans stopped to help a motorist who appeared to be in trouble. The case involves seven different victims during a series of incidents that all happened in rapid succession. According to prosecutors, here’s what happened:
At about 6:20 p.m., a man pulled into a parking lot near the corner of M-24 and Oakwood and struck a wooden pole before backing up, nearly hitting another car, and then striking the pole again. Two women stopped to help and asked whether he was OK.
He responded by pointing a handgun at them, and then drove south on Lapeer Road. That’s when he encountered Wolf and her daughter. They were driving together when they observed a car that had crashed into a tree and stopped to see if the driver was OK.
The driver allegedly ran up to the driver’s side of Wolf’s car and tried to get inside her vehicle. Wolf tried to drive away, but the stranded motorist began shooting into her car, striking both Wolf and her daughter.
Another individual, a 39-year-old female, was driving down the road and saw a car in a ditch and turned around to check on the vehicle. When she stopped, however, the gunman allegedly pointed a handgun at her head, demanded her car keys, and told her to get in the vehicle with him.
She ran away. The gunman tried to drive away with her vehicle, but was unable to do so. As the victim ran toward another car, she heard multiple gun shots.
More:Witness: Oxford shooting suspect opened fire on good Samaritans who stopped to help him
More:Oxford Christmas Eve shooting suspect, Malik Webb, charged with 19 counts, including murder
A separate vehicle with two individuals, a 56-year-old male and a 54-year-old female, was driving down the road and saw a vehicle in the ditch and another parked in the roadway. The driver slowed down to see whether anyone needed help when the gunman walked up to the victim’s truck and said that people were hurt and needed help.
The gunman then climbed onto the truck’s driver’s side running board stating that he was lost and needed help getting somewhere. The gunman allegedly pointed a gun at the driver and began trying to open the rear door of the vehicle.
The driver — a 56-year-old Oxford man — was shot in the arm but was able to get away after prying the gunman from his vehicle.
Deputies later located a 39-year-old Oxford Township woman who had been at the Park and Ride when Webb placed a gun to her head in a failed attempt to drive off in her vehicle. Deputies also located Webb and took him into custody without incident and recovered the 9mm handgun used during the crime spree.
Wolf was transported to the hospital where she later died of her injuries. The other injured victims were also treated at an area hospital. One remains in serious condition with multiple significant injuries. The other has been treated and released.
“This was a senseless murder and rampage. … I have authorized the highest possible charges, and my office will fight vigorously for justice for these victims,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a statement Friday. “While this appears to be a random shooting, it is devastating for our entire community, even more so because it happened during the middle of the holidays. My thoughts are with thevictims and their families.”
Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com
Tragedy struck the community of Oxford as it was revealed that one of the victims killed in the recent shooting spree was a beloved psychologist and professor at Michigan State University. The loss of such a dedicated and compassionate individual has left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew and worked with them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May their memory be a blessing and may we work towards a future where senseless acts of violence like this are a thing of the past. #JusticeForOxfordVictims #EndGunViolence.
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