Michigan State knocks off Maryland, 62-58

Not a lot went right for Michigan State initially, but they managed to knock off Maryland Saturday afternoon, 62-58. It was the second time this year the Spartans were unable to get a win over Maryland. In January, MSU lost by 16 at Maryland. Well, things were different this time around as MSU pulled out a close one.

After a rough one-for-ten start, Michigan State managed to pull within eight, as they trailed Maryland 33-25. It was a two-man show for the Spartans in the first half as Travis Trice and Branden Dawson combined for 22 of the team’s first 25 points.

It was not the most effective first half for MSU guard Denzel Valentine. He was held to zero points, three assist and two fouls the first twenty minutes of action.

None of MSU’s jump-shots fell in the first half, they shot 42 percent and attempted just two free throw attempts. And turned the ball over nine times.

More from Michigan State Spartans

• Betting Preview: Best Bets for Michigan vs. Michigan State 
• Michigan State basketball earns no. 7 seed, will play Davidson
• Jayden Reed returning to Michigan State football is huge news
• Peach Bowl: Michigan State football betting odds and prediction
• Michigan State football’s Kenneth Walker III snubbed from popularity contest

For Maryland, guard Melo Trimble lit up the Spartans for 13 points including three from long-range. Aside from Trimble’s early spark, nobody from Maryland lit up the scoreboard either which helped MSU close the gap and put the team in striking distance as the second half kicked off.

Michigan State did a complete 180 in the second half. Their shots were falling and the defense went to another level of intensity as they showed a desire to win.

Their struggles from the three-point line was a constant throughout the game as they missed 13 of their 18 attempts but they were able to make just enough to secure another win in the month of March.

The bench was one of the primary reasons in the win. Led by Matt Costello with 10 points, he and the rest of the bench gave good minutes including a momentum changing dunk from Marvin Clark Jr.

Led by Travis Trice and his 20 and four assist, the Spartans were able to hold on after a slow first half. Dawson also made a huge contribution scoring 17 points and pulling down eight rebounds.

More from Detroit Jock City

• Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings

Defense was the reason for such a huge turnaround. The Spartan’s defense held Maryland to 40 percent from the floor and them to miss on two of their next 14 three-point attempts.

They were also able to win the battle of the boards, finishing the game with a plus three rebounding margin.

Maryland guard Melo Trimble lit the Spartans up for 22 points in their last meeting. This time around he was held to 22 after going off for 13 big points in the first half.

Although Denzel Valentine did not do much offensively, his efforts on the defensive end and key assist gave the Spartans the second half boost they needed to silence Maryland.

For the majority of the game, Michigan State hovered around the 60 percent free throw mark but were able to make enough to keep Maryland at a distance and secure another win in the Big Ten tournament.

Up next for Michigan State is the Big Ten Championship game against Wisconsin on Sunday.