Men's Basketball Hosts Duke In Big Ten/ACC Challenge
12/2/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 2, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
#5/6 Michigan State (3-1)vs. #6/6 Duke (3-1)Radio: Spartan Sports Network - Will Tieman (Play by Play), Gus Ganakas (Color). Flagship - WJIM (1240 AM/97.5 FM)
December 3, 20039 P.M. ESTEast Lansing, Mich.Breslin Center (14,759)
TV: ESPN - Dan Shulman (Play by Play), Dick Vitale (Color), Doris Burke (Sidelines)
The Opening Tip
No. 5/6 Michigan State hosts #6/6 Duke in the marquee game of the fifth-annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Something has to give as the Spartans and Blue Devils are two of just four schools undefeated in the challenge's four-year history. This will be the first meeting on either school's campus and the first matchup since the two squads met in the National Semifinals of the 1999 Final Four. Since then, each squad has won one NCAA Championship (Michigan State - 2000; Duke - 2001).
Michigan State Game Notes
Download Free Acrobat Reader
Come Early And Wear White - The Michigan State athletic department is encouraging fans to arrive early for the 9 p.m. start. Wednesday's game is also a "White Out" with fans being asked to wear white shirts. Official "White Out" t-shirts may be purchased at the Spartan Book Store in the International Center on MSU's campus.
The Starting Five (And A Sixth Man)
MSU In The Big Ten/ACC Challenge - Michigan State is a perfect 3-0 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. One other game was cancelled due to unplayable floor conditions. MSU is one of just four undefeated schools in the challenge, joining Duke and Wake Forest from the ACC and Indiana from the Big Ten, although the Hoosiers have just played two games in the challenge. (See page 4 for recaps of MSU's previous four games in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge).
Balanced Scoring - Michigan State's offense has many different weapons as five Spartans are currently averaging double-figures in scoring. Paul Davis leads the way with 13.0 ppg, followed by Chris Hill (12.3), Kelvin Torbert (11.0), Alan Anderson (10.3) and Shannon Brown (10.0). To contrast, Hill was the only Spartan that finished last season averaging double-figures at 13.7.
Spartan Juniors - Without a doubt, the most experienced players on MSU's roster are the junior trio of Alan Anderson, Chris Hill and Kelvin Torbert. Tom Izzo has stated publicly that this team will go as far as those three can take them. In 2003-04, the trio is off to a good start as all three have double-figure scoring averages (Hill - 12.3 ppg, Torbert - 11.0 ppg, Anderson - 10.3). They also rank as the top three Spartans in assists (Hill - 6.0 apg, Anderson - 2.8 apg, Torbert - 2.8 apg) and are good rebounders from the perimeter (Anderson - 4.0 rpg, Torbert - 4.0 apg, Hill - 2.5 apg). The trio had a coming out party against DePaul, combining for 51 points, 11 rebounds and 17 assists.
Off And Running - The Spartans are showing a more potent offense in 2003-04. MSU has increased its scoring output in every game this year and is currently averaging 76.0 points per game. Most recently, the Spartans scored 89 points against DePaul, the most by a Spartan squad since a 93-79 win over Iowa on March 2, 2002.
Turnovers Critical - Trends are tough to spot through just four games, but one thing is for certain: MSU stands a better chance of winning when it takes care of the ball. In their three wins, the Spartans are averaging 12.7 turnovers. Against Kansas, however, MSU watched the Jayhawks turn 24 turnovers into 34 points.
Bench Production - Through four games, Michigan State is taking advantage of its depth as the Spartan bench has scored 101 of MSU's 304 points (33.2 percent).
Game 4 Notes - MSU 89 - DePaul 81
* Michigan State won its 17th Spartan Classic in 21 tournaments, including its seventh in a row.
* Alan Anderson scored all 17 of his points in the second half, shooting 4-of-8 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line.
* Michigan State recorded assists on 21 of its 29 baskets.
* Chris Hill dished out a career-best 11 assists, falling just one short of the Spartan Classic record, held by current MSU assistant Doug Wojcik (Navy, 1986).
* MSU's junior trio of Anderson, Hill and Kelvin Torbert combined for 51 points.
Duke Notes
Coach Krzyzewski - Mike Krzyzewski (United States Military Academy, '69) is 666-235 in 29 years as a college head coach. He is in his 24th year at Duke with a mark of 593-176. Last week, Krzyzewski passed John Wooden (664 wins) for 18th place on the career wins list.
Michigan State Vs. Duke - Duke leads the all-time series with Michigan State, 3-1, with all four games having been played on neutral courts. The Spartans and Blue Devils met twice during the 1998-99 season. On Dec. 2, 1998 in Chicago, Duke defeated MSU, 73-67, in the Great Eight. Later that year, the two squads rematched in the National Semifinal in St. Petersburg, Fla., with Duke taking another narrow victory, 68-62. The Blue Devils also defeated the Spartans, 85-74, in the second round of the 1994 NCAA Tournament. MSU's lone win in the series with an 82-57 victory on Dec. 29, 1958 in the Dixie Classic in Raleigh, N.C.
Blue Devil Briefs - Freshman Luol Deng leads the Blue Devils in scoring at 16.8 ppg; Duke assistant Johnny Dawkins was the last freshman to lead Duke in scoring (18.1 ppg; 1982-83) ... Four Blue Devils average more than 30 minutes per game ... There are just eight Duke players to have appeared in each game this season and just seven of them average more than 10 minutes per game ... Duke is averaging 20.8 three-point field-goal attempts per contest ... Duke has made 75 free throws, while its opponents have attempted 57 ... Duke is the fourth winningest program in NCAA history with 1,709 wins, ranks tied for fourth with three NCAA Championships and is tied for third with 13 Final Four appearances.
Big Ten/ACC Challenge Recaps
Dec. 1, 1999 - Michigan State 86 - North Carolina 76 - Chapel Hill, N.C.
Michigan State entered the inaugural Big Ten/ACC Challenge with a No. 8 ranking, but without its leader, All-America senior guard Mateen Cleaves. On top of that, the Spartans were coming off a loss to Texas in the championship game of the Puerto Rico Shootout. To make matters worse, MSU was playing No. 2 North Carolina in the Tar Heels' home opener, a game they had not lost since 1928. Regardless of the odds stacked against them, the Spartans showed the heart of a champion, surging to a 44-36 halftime lead behind 17 first-half points from Morris Peterson. With 11:51 remaining in the game, MSU's advantage stood at 65-48. UNC cut the lead to just six points with more than four minutes remaining, only to watch the Spartans close the door by scoring the next seven points, including five by Peterson who finished with 31. Andre Hutson added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, as MSU held a 43-28 advantage on the glass. And although Cleaves sat the bench in street clothes while recovering from his stress fracture, he was his teammates' biggest cheerleader from the sideline.
Nov. 29, 2000 - Michigan State 77 - North Carolina 64 - East Lansing, Mich.
The second year of the Challenge saw a rematch between the Spartans and the Tar Heels. This time, No. 3 Michigan State played host to No. 6 North Carolina. MSU used strong team defense to win its second straight over UNC, holding All-America guard Joseph Forte to 5-of-16 shooting and 11 points, well below his 22.7 ppg scoring average. Leading 26-25 with 4:35 remaining in the first half, Michigan State closed the half on a 16-4 run. Andre Hutson narrowly missed his second straight double-double against the Tar Heels, recording 14 points and nine rebounds while scoring his 1,000th career point. Once again, the Spartans dominated on the glass, holding a 43-29 advantage. Jason Richardson led MSU with 16 points, while Charlie Bell showed his versatility with a 15-point, 7-rebound, 5-assist effort in addition to drawing Forte as a defensive assignment.
Nov. 28, 2001 - Floor 1 - Michigan State 0 - Virginia 0 - Richmond, Va.
The third year of the Challenge brought about the most unique outcome. The Spartans were supposed to play Virginia in a neutral-site contest at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Va. But rather than a showcase of top-notch talent from two solid squads, the fans in attendance were treated to what Virginia coach Pete Gillen compared to "Bambi on ice." The playing surface was laid on top of a sheet of ice used to accommodate a minor league hockey squad that was the usual tenant of the arena. With late November temperatures in the 70s, a steady supply of moisture collected on the court. Play continued through the first half, despite several falls by players from both squads. The Spartans were coming off consecutive losses to Syracuse and Fresno State in the Preseason NIT, but overcame both the Cavaliers and the conditions to take a 24-19 lead into the half, thanks to a 19-4 run to end the half. MSU extended the lead to 28-19, but Virginia scored the next 12 points, including a couple of baskets that were the result of MSU players falling on the court. Finally, the game was halted with 15:04 left in the second half when UVA's Travis Watson fell face first to the floor while trying to defend an inbounds play. Fortunately, no player on either side was seriously injured, but the game was canceled and never rescheduled.
Dec. 4, 2002 - Michigan State 82 - Virginia 75 - East Lansing, Mich.
Michigan State entered the game in desperate need of a boost of energy. The Spartans had just returned from Alaska, where they posted a 1-2 mark. Their opponent, the Virginia Cavaliers, was coming off a 2-1 Maui Invitational, including a victory over Kentucky. With 9:57 remaining in the first half, Virginia held a 19-16 advantage. That's when MSU came alive and reeled off an incredible 17-0 run over the next 6:06. By the time the Cavaliers scored again at 3:51, MSU owned a 33-21 lead. Michigan State held a double-figure lead for much of the second half, extending the advantage to 59-41 with 9:55 remaining. The Spartans made 15-of-18 free throw attempts over the final 3:07 to hold off the Cavaliers. Chris Hill's 22 points led four Spartans in double figures.
MSU Basketball Notes
Sustained Excellence - The mark of an elite program is sustaining excellence over time and doing it against top-flight competition. There are 13 programs that amassed 125 or more victories between 1998-99 and 2002-03. Michigan State is third on that list with 134 victories. However, MSU is also the team most willing to play top-notch competition, ranking first with 59 games against ranked opponents, while winning a nation's best 38. Michigan State and Kentucky are tied with 21 games in the regular-season against non-conference ranked teams. A look deeper into the numbers shows that of those 21 games for MSU, 13 were against top-10 teams. (Rankings based on The Associated Press Top 25 poll at the date the game was played.)
Production From The Four Man - Throughout the early part of the season, Tom Izzo has talked about the importance of developing depth in the frontcourt and finding someone to complement Paul Davis in the post. The Coca-Cola Classic finally brought about some of the production that he was looking for as Jason Andreas (5.0 points, 4.0 rebounds) and Delco Rowley (3.5 points, 5.0 rebounds) combined for 8.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game. Oddly enough, this production came in games where MSU started four perimeter players around Davis in the post.
What To Wear - Through four games, Michigan State has worn three different jerseys. In the season opener vs. Bucknell, the Spartans wore their normal white home jersey. On the road at Kansas, MSU wore its traditional green away uniform. In the Coca-Cola Spartan Classic, the Spartans wore the 1979 throwback jerseys with a script "State" across the chest and a basketball on the right leg of the shorts in honor of the 25-year anniversary of MSU's 1979 NCAA Championship.
One-Of-A-Kind Schedule - Michigan State's 2003-04 schedule is heading into uncharted waters. No team has ever played Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Syracuse and UCLA during the same regular season. Add Oklahoma to that group and you have one of the greatest schedules of all-time.
Hill For Three - Chris Hill is among the best three-point shooters in MSU history. He ranks third in career three-point field goals made (171), fifth in career attempts (406) and sixth in career three-point field goal percentage (.421). Hill has made at least one three-point field goal in 67 of 70 games in his career.
Spartans Spread Minutes - Thirteen different Spartans have seen game action this season, including nine averaging 9.8 minutes or more per contest. Six average 20 minutes or more, while no one is over 30.
Playing The Best - Michigan State's 2003-04 schedule has the opportunity to go down as one of the greatest in college basketball history. Opponents on this year's slate have combined for 32 National Championships, 406 NCAA Tournament appearances, seven of the 11 all-time winningest programs, five of the six all-time winningest Final Four teams, eight 2003 conference champions and 14 2003 postseason teams (10 NCAA Tournament and four NIT).
Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime - This year's Spartan schedule is just the latest in Tom Izzo's trend to play the best teams across the country. Consider the squads that have appeared on MSU's schedule under Izzo: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Duke, Florida, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, Stanford, Syracuse, Temple, Texas, UCLA and Virginia.
Breslin Success - Since the start of the 1998-99 season, Michigan State has won 76 of its last 80 regular-season games in Breslin, a winning percentage of .950. In addition, the Breslin Center has been sold out for 86 consecutive games.
Returning Talent - The Spartans return five of their top six scorers from last year's squad that advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, 71.6 percent of their scoring and 70.7 percent of their minutes played.
Preseason Favorites - Michigan State was picked as the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten Conference by both the league's media and coaches. This is the second year in a row and the fifth time in the last six years that MSU has been selected as the preseason favorite.
Davis And Hill Earn Individual Honors - Junior guard Chris Hill and sophomore center Paul Davis were both selected to the preseason All-Big Ten team as selected by the league's coaches. Hill also earned a spot on the media's all-conference team. Davis is the only non-guard to earn a spot on either team, while no seniors were honored. Davis and Hill were also named John R. Wooden Award Preseason All-Americans in August and Naismith Award candidates last week.
Winning The Right Way - In addition to excelling on the court, the Spartans are standouts in the classroom. Ten Spartans have received their undergraduate degrees over the last three years, including five each in 2001 and 2003. MSU entered the semester with a cumulative grade point average of 3.04.
It's All About Boardwork - Michigan State has led the Big Ten in rebounding margin for six straight seasons, including leading the nation in both 2000 (+11.7) and 2001 (+15.4). In Tom Izzo's nine years as head coach, MSU has outrebounded its opponent in 227 of 271 games (83.8 percent).
U-S-A, U-S-A - Four Spartans had the opportunity to represent their country in international competition over the summer. Sophomores Maurice Ager and Paul Davis played for the USA Basketball Junior World Championship Team that posted a 7-1 mark in Greece. Davis was the squad's leading scorer (17.7 ppg) and rebounder (8.7 rpg). Junior Chris Hill was a member of the USA Basketball Pan American Games Team in the Dominican Republic with Tom Izzo serving as head coach.
Statue Specifics - The statue honoring Earvin "Magic" Johnson was unveiled on Nov. 1. The structure, entitled "Always A Champion," symbolizes Johnson's championships at the high school, collegiate, NBA and Olympic levels with a statue of his body erupting from four abstract figures. The total height of the structure and base is approximately 12-feet tall, with the actual statue of Johnson less than 9 feet tall. The cost of the project is approximately $250,000 and is funded entirely through private donations. In the sculpture, Johnson is looking up the court with the basketball in one hand and is directing his teammates with the other hand, all of which were attributes that made him one of the greatest basketball players of all time and the man who made "triple-double" part of the basketball vocabulary. The statue was designed by sculptor Omri Amrany from the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany, based in Highland Park, Ill. Amrany's previous works include the Michael Jordan statue in front of Chicago's United Center, a Harry Caray statue at the entrance to Chicago's Wrigley Field and six statues of great Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Most recently, he's completed statues of Vince Lombardi and Earl "Curly" Lambeau at Green Bay's Lambeau Field and a statue of Al McGuire at Marquette.
The Golden Arches - Michigan State is becoming the home for McDonald's All-Americans. Over the past five seasons, seven McDonald's All-Americans have joined the Spartan squad, including Jason Richardson in 1999, Marcus Taylor and McDonald's All-American All-Star game MVP Zach Randolph in 2000, Kelvin Torbert in 2001, Paul Davis in 2002 and Shannon Brown and Brandon Cotton in 2003.
Home To Mr. Basketball - Four of the last five recipients of Michigan's Mr. Basketball Award, presented to the top high school player in the state, have gone on to wear a Spartan jersey. Jason Richardson (Saginaw Arthur Hill HS) won the award in 1999, followed by Marcus Taylor (Lansing Waverly HS) in 2000, Kelvin Torbert (Flint Northwestern HS) in 2001 and Paul Davis (Rochester HS) in 2002. Although Brandon Cotton (DePorres HS) finished second in 2003, Shannon Brown (Proviso East HS) captured Illinois' Mr. Basketball Award.
