Michigan State's 80-65 home victory over Indiana had a little bit different feel to it. In light of the tragic events last week, Michigan State took some precautions tonight to create as safe of an environment as possible for fans in the Breslin Center. Gone were the paper bags that are traditionally popped when the Spartans make their first basket of the night. New this evening were multiple announcements that the lights were going to go off for introductions but that the concourse lighting would remain on.
After a touching tribute that saw the Breslin Center overcome with emotion, the two teams tipped off. Michigan State was a bit of a disadvantage in this game as it was announced pregame that Carson Cooper, who was in a boot, would be out for the game with an ankle injury.
It was the Indiana Hoosiers who got off to a fast start. It was Jalen Hood-Schifino who came out and showed why many consider him to be a first-round pick in next year's NBA Draft. Hood-Schifino was able to score six quick points as the Hoosiers got out to an early 12-5 lead, while the Spartans struggled to hit shots and take care of the ball. Early in the game it seemed that MSU went with the strategy of doubling the post when Trayce Jackson-Davis got the ball, and, to Jackson-Davis' credit, he was able to make the right play for himself or others, which led to good looks for IU.
After a slow start offensively, Michigan State seemed to settle in a bit by getting some easier looks. Early contested twos were not falling but MSU was able to get some good looks off of the pick and roll.
Unfortunately the looks were not coming as easily as they needed to. Indiana did a great job of sticking to shooters, and Jackson-Davis was a constant factor defensively inside the arc while having his way on the offensive end as well.
Just as the Spartans were struggling and looking super lost on offense, Michigan State turned to ole reliable in Tyson Walker. Walker took the game over late in the first half, hitting back to back 3-pointers and a layup to give him nine points in the first half and tie the game at 24. Along with Walker, the Spartans got some big time minutes from freshman Jaxon Kohler. Her was able to get a block on Jackson-Davis on the defensive end and also had some nice moves on the IU big on the offensive end.
The Kohler minutes plus the Walker offensive show seemed to energize Michigan State who ended the half on a high note capped off by a three from Walker which sent MSU into the locker room at half up 35-29. The Spartans were led by Walker's 12 points, hitting 4-of-6 on 3-point attempts, the last one giving Michigan State the lead and momentum going into halftime.
The momentum seemed to carry over to the start of the second half. The Spartans continued to use great ball movement to knock down 3-pointer after 3-pointer. An A.J. Hoggard 3-pointer saw MSU take its largest lead of the game at 44-31. After a mini Hoosiers 5-0 run, the Spartans were able to reestablish their momentum with a layup by Hoggard followed a big Malik Hall transition dunk.
Indiana did not go away quietly, going on a 7-0 run of its own in response. But just like in the first half, Tyson Walker was there to answer. Walker used the pick and roll to isolate Jackson-Davis and used an array of moves to either get to the basket or pull up for three.
Michigan State wasn't just getting it done on the offensive end. The Spartans were everywhere on defense and also were doing an amazing job of rebounding and getting to every loose ball. Unlike the game against Michigan, MSU was able to limit IU to one shot, ending possessions with rebounds. Mady Sissoko also had an impressive stretch where he was diving on the floor for loose balls and also had an emphatic block.
Along to the stops on the defensive end, the Tyson Walker show on the offensive end continued. Walker, and Hoggard as well, were able to take advantage of Indiana's bigs who were playing drop coverage. The Spartans were able to secure an 80-65 victory led by Walker, who scored 23 points. Walker's backcourt mate A.J. Hoggard was almost able to match his fellow Spartan guard in scoring 22 points of his own.
Michigan State will return back to action as the team travels to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes on Saturday. Tipoff is set for noon Eastern Time on ESPN.
