Michigan State takes care of Michigan, 80-67

In their second meeting of the season, Michigan State was able to take the season series against instate rival Michigan, 80-67. Now, 18-8 (9-4 Big Ten) the Spartans chances of making the big dance and getting a somewhat favorable seed is slowly becoming attainable, especially after knocking off Ohio State at home.

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Michigan State came out in the first half firing on all cylinders getting an early 16 from Trice off the bench and shot 59 percent from the floor and helped the Spartans finish the first half with a double-digit lead. From an offensive standpoint, everything was crisp in the first half for MSU, especially ball movement, assisting on 10 of their first 16 field goals.

The Spartans played well on both ends of the floor, holding the banged up Wolverines to 39 percent.

More of the same continued in the second half for Michigan State. They continued shooting the ball well and crashing the glass and keeping Michigan from making a run as Branden Dawson came alive in the second half, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds and four assist.

Michigan’s struggles continued in the second half as they shot 40 percent from the floor and did not move the ball at all, totaling just 10 assist.

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This game lacked the excitement of the first meeting as the Wolverines looked lost and confused on their home court. The Wolverines were able to score 44 second half points and make the score look respectable in the end but from start to finish Michigan State had control of the game and never Michigan much of a chance.

Scoring primarily came from two people Michigan State’s side. Travis Trice and Branden Dawson scored 45 of the team’s total points while the rest of the team struggled, especially guards Denzel Valentine and Bryn Forbes who went a combined 5-of-15 from the floor for 13 points.

It would not be the same if Michigan State’s free-throw numbers were not brought up. Coming in as the 332^nd ranked team in terms of free-throw percentage, the Spartans did a little to improve upon those numbers, finishing with 70 percent from the line.

Even though the team has looked good over the past three games, they have shot just 67 percent from the line during that span. Making free-throws has been part of the problem but so has getting to the line. As a jump shooting team, Michigan State does not get to the line very often which makes it even more important they capitalize on their limited time on the charity strike.

While the Wolverines have struggled this season the win does help the Spartans tournament resume and helps them improve in the Big Ten race and gives them a modest three game winning streak.

Five games remain for Michigan State with the biggest challenge being at No. 5 Wisconsin. It’s imperative that Michigan State takes at least four of their last five games to improve upon their chances of making the chances of making the tournament and getting a respectable seed.