Michigan State defeats Indiana, 70-50

Coming off a double over-time loss to No. 11 Maryland, Michigan State was able to bounce back Monday night against the Indiana Hoosiers in East Lansing, MI.

Michigan State looked energized in the first half at home.  While they only shot 44 percent in the first half, they were able to overcome a sluggish start and find their rhythm late in the first half, taking a 36-17 lead.

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More importantly the Spartans defense clamped down early on the Hoosiers holding them to just 18 percent shooting and forced them to miss 10 of their 11 three-point attempts.

Holding a normally high scoring Hoosier team to 17 at the half, keeps Spartans fans hopeful in what has otherwise been a below average season.

As the second half started, the Spartans continued their dominance over Indiana. The flow of the offense continued as the defense continued to stifle the Hoosiers, holding them to 28 percent shooting and 20 percent from three-point range.

Michigan State was the overall better team, Monday night. They were plus 22 in rebounds and plus 13 in assist and had control over the game from start to finish.

Branden Dawson looks to be back to his old ways after missing a few games because of a wrist injury. He finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds and two steals, blocks and rebounds not to mention a few rim rattling dunks. Denzel Valentine added 15 points, six rebounds and four assist in the win.

Luckily, the bench was not needed to produce but as the season goes on they’ll have to score more than the 15 points they scored tonight.

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Even with the win, there are still some things that concern the Spartan faithful. One problem that has lingered all season has been the team’s free-throw shooting. Their struggles continued in tonight’s win as they shot a less than impressive 56 percent and shoot less than 65 percent from the line as a team on the season.

As the season continues to progress, it’s clear this team is missing something they had last year. Obviously, they lost key players to the NBA but, there is something about this team and how they have played so far that does not give their fans confidence.

Losing to teams like Notre Dame and Texas Southern does not send worry into the Spartans or their fans but it has raised an eyebrow or two.

Michigan State travels to Iowa Jan. 8 to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes.