Michigan State University Athletics
Spartans Face Virginia In Sweet 16
3/26/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 26, 2014
| #4 Michigan State (28-8, 12-6 Big Ten) vs. #1 Virginia (30-6, 16-2) | |
| Date | Friday, March 28, 2014 |
| Time | 9:57 p.m. ET |
| Location | New York, N.Y. | Madison Square Garden |
| Television | TBS (Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery, Allie LaForce) |
| Radio | Spartan Sports Network (Will Tieman, Gus Ganakas, Matt Steigenga) |
| Game Notes | Michigan State | Virginia |
| Statistics | Michigan State | Virginia |
| Pre-Game Coverage | NCAA Central | Izzo excited to coach against UVA  |
| Social Media | @MSU_Basketball  | Facebook  |
THE OPENING TIP
Making its 12th trip to the Sweet 16 in the last 17 seasons, and its sixth in the last seven years, Michigan State will face No. 1 seed Virginia in the regional semifinals on Friday night. For the Spartans, this is their third trip to New York this season, having played in Brooklyn in November and at Madison Square Garden in February.
THE STARTING FIVE
1. Spartans In The Sweet 16
This is MSU's 14th trip to the Sweet 16 since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, including the 12th under Tom Izzo. Michigan State is 7-6 in Sweet 16 games since 1985, having won seven of its last 10. All-time, MSU is 11-6 in the regional semifinals. Tom Izzo is 7-4 in the Sweet 16.
2. Twelve Sweet 16s In 17 Years
Since Michigan State's first trip to the NCAA Tournament under Tom Izzo in 1998, the Spartans have advanced to the Sweet 16 12 times in the last 17 years. During that same stretch, only Duke has more Sweet 16 appearances (13), while Kansas ranks third with 10 trips. MSU's six trips to the Sweet 16 in the last seven years are the most in the nation.
3. Dawson's Return Impacts Spartan Shooting
Since Branden Dawson returned to the starting lineup on March 6, MSU is shooting .507, shooting 50 percent or better in four of seven games, and 45 percent or better in six of seven contests. Over its last four games, MSU is shooting .523. Over the last seven games, Dawson is shooting .683 (43-63) from the field, including .763 (29-38) in the last four contests.
4. Spartan Defense
Michigan State is holding opponents to .400 shooting from the floor, ranking first in the Big Ten and 26th in the nation (NCAA stats through March 23), including .335 from 3-point range, ranking eighth in the conference. In conference games, MSU ranked first in blocks (5.0 bpg), fourth in field-goal percentage defense (.419), and fifth in steals (6.7 spg) and scoring defense (66.2 ppg). In five postseason games, MSU is holding opponents to 66.4 points on .386 shooting (.351 from 3-point range), after allowing 71.2 points on .480 shooting from the field, including .420 from 3-point range, in the previous five games. NCAA Tournament opponents are averaging 75.5 points, but are shooting just .389 from the field (.378 from 3-point range).
5. MSU's NCAA Streak
Michigan State is making its 17th straight NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014. It is the longest current streak among Big Ten schools and third longest in the nation. Only Kansas (25) and Duke (19) have longer current streaks. In fact, it is the fifth-longest of all-time. MSU's streal is the second-longest streak in Big Ten history. Indiana appeared in 18 consecutive tournaments between 1986 and 2003.
NCAA TOURNAMENT NOTES
Spartan Opponents In NCAA Tournament
Ten Michigan State opponents made the field of 68 for the 2014 NCAA Tournament, including Big Ten foes Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State and Wisconsin, and non-conference opponents Kentucky, Oklahoma, Mount St. Mary's, North Carolina and Texas. Three of those opponents are still alive in the Sweet 16. The Spartans were a combined 9-6 against the 10 teams entering the tournament, playing 15 of their 34 regular-season games against tournament teams. What's more impressive is that five of those 10 opponents earned a Top 6 seed. MSU played a combined nine games against the Top 6 seeds, posting a 4-5 record.
MSU In The NCAA Tournament
Michigan State is making its 28th appearance in the NCAA Tournament with a record of 58-26 (.690) in tournament play. MSU has made eight trips to the Final Four (1957, 1979, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2010) and captured the NCAA Championship in 1979 and 2000.
At His Best When It Counts
Tom Izzo ranks seventh among active coaches for the best NCAA Tournament winning percentage at .732 (41-15). Duke's Mike Krzyzewski ranks first at .759 (82-26), followed by Louisville's Rick Pitino (.758, 50-16), Florida's Billy Donovan (.750, 33-11), North Carolina's Roy Williams (.741, 63-22), Kentucky's John Calipari (.738, 31-11), and SMU's Larry Brown (.737, 14-5). Of those seven, Izzo and Krzyzewski are the only coaches to appear in the last 17 NCAA Tournaments. In NCAA Tournament wins, Izzo (41) ranks fifth among active coaches, trailing just Krzyzewski (82), Williams (63), Syracuse's Jim Boeheim (53) and Louisville's Rick Pitino (50).
Izzo's NCAA Streak
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is making his 17th straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. It's the second-longest active streak in the nation, trailing only Mike Krzyzewski, who made his 19th consecutive trip this season. The 17-year streak is the longest in Big Ten history by a head coach (15, Bobby Knight, Indiana, 1986-2000).
Big Ten Conference In The NCAA Tournament
The Big Ten Conference had six of its 12 schools make the 2014 NCAA Tournament. Joining the Spartans were No. 2 Michigan, No. 2 Wisconsin, No. 6 Ohio State, No. 11 Iowa, and No. 11 Nebraska. MSU is joined by the Wolverines and Badgers in the Sweet 16, as the Big Ten, SEC (Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee) and Pac-12 (Arizona, Stanford, UCLA) lead all conferences with three teams in the regional semifinals.
Exclusive Company
Michigan State ranks seventh among all schools in NCAA Tournament winning percentage for teams with at least 20 tournament games. MSU's .690 winning percentage (58-26) trails only Duke (.744, 99-34), UCLA (.729, 97-36), Florida (.725, 37-14), North Carolina (.719, 110-43), Kentucky (.711, 113-46), and Kansas (.696, 96-42). MSU's 58 tournament wins rank ninth in NCAA history and second among Big Ten schools, behind Indiana (64). Syracuse is just ahead of MSU with 61 tournament wins.
MSU In The Elite Eight
Since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, Michigan State has advanced to the Elite Eight seven times (all under Tom Izzo), posting a 6-1 record. MSU is 8-3 all-time in a regional final.
Quick Turnaround Success
Michigan State's deep NCAA Tournament runs can be attributed to its success with quick turnarounds. Under Tom Izzo, the Spartans are a remarkable 19-3 in the second game of an NCAA Tournament weekend. All three losses have come to No. 1 seeds.
Two Titles Not Too Shabby
Michigan State is one of just 14 schools to have won two or more NCAA Championships. Cincinnati, Florida, North Carolina State, Oklahoma State and San Francisco join MSU with two titles. Only UCLA (11), Kentucky (8), Indiana (5), North Carolina (5), Duke (4), Connecticut (3), Kansas (3) and Louisville (3) have won more titles.
MSU VS. VIRGINIA NOTES
About Virginia
Top-seeded Virginia defeated No. 16-seed Coastal Carolina in the second round, 70-59, and eighth-seeded Memphis in the third round, 78-60, to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1995. The Cavaliers went 16-2 in ACC play to win their sixth (second outright) ACC regular-season title and second ACC Tournament championship.
Virginia vs. The Field of 68
The Cavaliers are 6-4 against teams in this year's NCAA Tournament. Virginia went 0-3 against non-conference teams in the field, including losses to Virginia Commonwealth, Wisconsin and Tennessee. In ACC play, Virginia defeated Pittsburgh twice, split with Duke, and recorded victories over N.C. State, North Carolina and Syracuse.
Common Opponents
Michigan State and Virginia played two common opponents this season. MSU split the series with Wisconsin, losing in Madison and winning in the Big Ten Tournament, while the Cavaliers lost to the Badgers in Charlottesville. Virginia defeated North Carolina at home, while the Tar Heels handed the Spartans their first loss of the season at the Breslin Center.
Series History
The Spartans own a 3-0 all-time record over Virginia. The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 82-75 win for MSU in East Lansing in 2002. Michigan State won the first-ever matchup, a 51-46 victory for the Spartans on Feb. 11, 1947, at Jenison Field House. The two teams were scheduled to play in the 2001 Big Ten/ACC Challenge in Richmond, Va., but the game was called due to unplayable wet floor conditions.
Coach Bennett
Tony Bennett (Green Bay, 1992), is 175-92 in eight seasons as a collegiate head coach, including 106-59 in his fifth season at Virginia. The 2014 ACC Coach of the Year, he is one of five finalists for the Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year. Bennett led Virginia to its third-straight 20-win season for the first time since 1991-93. This marks Bennett's fourth appearance in the NCAA Tournament, as he owns a 5-3 all-time record. Prior to taking over at Virginia, he spent three seasons (2006-2009) at the helm of Washington State, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2008.
Cavalier Notes
Virginia is making its 18th NCAA Tournament appearance and its first since 2012 ... It is the fourth time in school history that the Cavaliers are a No. 1 seed (1981, 1982 and 1983) ... Virginia is 24-17 all-time in the NCAA Tournament ... With their win over Memphis in the third round, the Cavaliers tied the school record for most single-season wins (30, also in 1981-82) ... Virginia set a school record with 13 consecutive ACC wins from Jan. 18-March 1 ... The Cavaliers rank No. 1 nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 55.5 points per game ... Virginia also ranks first in the ACC in field goal percentage defense (.386) and rebounding margin (+6.2) ... The Cavaliers have held 23 straight opponents under 50 percent shooting from the field.
MSU 2014 NCAA TOURNAMENT NOTES
* Michigan State is shooting .513 from the field, including .425 from 3-point range, while holding opponents to .389 from the field and .378 from behind the arc.
* MSU is shooting .857 from the foul line (40-47) in two games, after entering the tournament shooting with a .693 free-throw percentage.
* Adreian Payne is averaging a team-best 26.5 ppg in two games.
* Branden Dawson is second on the squad in scoring (18.0 ppg), while leading the Spartans in rebounding (8.5 rpg), shooting .727 from the field.
* Gary Harris (14.0 ppg) and Travis Trice (12.0 ppg) also average double-figures in scoring.
THIRD ROUND NOTES - #4 MSU 80 - #12 HARVARD 73
* MSU improved to 14-4 in the round of 32 since 1995, including 12-1 under Tom Izzo.
* The Spartans won their sixth-straight round of 32 contest.
* Branden Dawson scored a career-high 26 points, hitting 12-of-15 shots from the field. He had matched his career high by halftime, with 20 points at the break.
* Gary Harris scored 14 of his 18 points after halftime, including seven in the final 5:38 after Harvard took a 62-60 lead.
* Michigan State committed just one turnover in the first half, but 10 in the second half.
* MSU improved to 4-0 all-time in the NCAA Tournament in Spokane.
* MSU and Harvard met for the first time since 1949.
SECOND ROUND NOTES - #4 MSU 93 - #13 DELAWARE 78
* MSU improved to 18-6 in the round of 64, including 13-4 under Tom Izzo.
* Led by Adreian Payne's 17-of-17 effort, Michigan State shot a season-high 92.0 percent (23-of-25) from the foul line.
* Travis Trice scored a season-high 19 points, hitting 7-of-8 from the field and 3-of-4 from 3-point range. Thirteen of his 19 points came in the second half.
* MSU's 93 points were the fourth-most scored by the Spartans in an NCAA Tournament game, and the most scored in a 40-minute NCAA Tournament contest since the 1979 season.
* Michigan State's 10 3-pointers tied the third-best NCAA Tournament effort in school history.
* MSU's 52.6 3-point field-goal percentage was its best in an NCAA Tournament game since shooting 58.8 percent (10-of-17) against Maryland in the round of 32 in 2010.
A LOOK AT Adreian Payne'S 41-POINT GAME
* Adreian Payne's career-high 41 points against Delaware were a Michigan State NCAA Tournament record, breaking the previous mark held by Greg Kelser (34 vs. Notre Dame, 1979).
* The 41 points were the most by a Spartan in the Tom Izzo era, and the most since Shawn Respert scored 43 points vs. Minnesota on Feb. 23, 1994.
* Payne became just the eighth player in MSU history to score 41 or more points.
* Payne scored 23 points in the first half, including 17 straight at one point.
* Shooting 17-of-17 from the foul line, Payne set an NCAA Tournament record for most free throws made without a miss. (Previous record shared by Princeton's Bill Bradley and Wyoming's Fennis Dembo - 16 each).
* The 17-of-17 foul shooting tied the second-most makes without a miss in MSU history.
* Payne's 17 free throws and attempts surpassed Earvin "Magic" Johnson (14-of-15) for the most free throws made and attempted by a Spartan in an NCAA Tournament game.
* Payne joins Princeton's Bill Bradley as the only two players in NCAA Tournament history to score 40 points, shoot 67 percent from the field and 100 percent from the line.
* Payne's 41 points tied for second all-time in the NCAA Tournament by a Big Ten player.
* In addition to his career-high 41 points, Payne established career highs for free throws made (17), free throws attempted (17), while tying his career highs for field goals made (10) and 3-point field goals made (4).
MSU BASKETBALL NOTES
Rotating Starting Lineup, Part 1
Michigan State has used 15 different starting lineups this season, as 11 different Spartans have started at least one game. Six different players, and each one of MSU's top four scorers, have missed multiple games due to injury or illness, for a total of 29 games missed. In 19 of 36 games, and 13 of 18 Big Ten contests, MSU has been without its full allotment of players due to injury. In nine games, the Spartans have been without at least two of their regular rotation players. The only game lost due to an injury suffered in practice was Branden Dawson missing the Dec. 28 game vs. New Orleans with a shin bruise, as he sat out just as a precaution. The good news for Michigan State is that every Spartan was available for the March 1 game vs. Illinois, marking the first time that has happened since Jan. 4. In the last two games of the regular season and throughout the postseason, MSU started the same lineup (Keith Appling, Gary Harris, Denzel Valentine, Branden Dawson, Adreian Payne) that it started in the first two games of the Big Ten season, before a foot injury forced Payne out of the lineup vs. Ohio State. It marks the first time all season that MSU has started the same lineup in seven straight games. Previously, MSU had not started the same five in more than four straight games.
Rotating Starting Lineup, Part 2
Michigan State has used 15 different starting lineups this season. A large part of the rotating door has been the various injuries/illnesses to strike the Spartans. In fact, MSU's five primary starters (Keith Appling, Gary Harris, Branden Dawson, Adreian Payne, and Matt Costello) have all played in just 18 of 36 games. It began with Gary Harris missing three games (Mount St. Mary's, Oakland, North Florida) in a four-game stretch with an ankle injury and also coming off the bench at Texas. Matt Costello started six of the first eight games of the season, but then missed four straight with mononucleosis before returning for conference play. Branden Dawson sat out the New Orleans game with a shin bruise and Travis Trice missed the North Florida game with foot blisters and the Ohio State game due to illness. In addition, Adreian Payne (plantar fasciitis) and Keith Appling (hip pointer) missed significant amounts of practice in early/mid December. The Spartans were hit especially hard in Big Ten play as Payne suffered a right foot sprain which forced him to miss seven contests before returning vs. Penn State. Dawson suffered a broken bone in his right hand on Jan. 23 and missed nine games, and Appling had a sore right wrist, first suffered against North Carolina, which forced him to miss three games in February.
Outside Shooting
Michigan State is shooting .393 from 3-point range (291-of-740), ranking second in the Big Ten. Six Spartans (Gary Harris-77 (2.3), Travis Trice-52 (1.5), Adreian Payne-39 (1.3), Kenny Kaminski-37 (1.3), Denzel Valentine-39 (1.1), and Keith Appling-34 (1.0)) each average at least one made 3-pointer per game. Individually, Kaminski leads the conference in 3-point field-goal percentage (.493), while Trice ranks fourth (.448), Payne ranks fifth (.438) and Appling ranks 13th (.370). The Spartans have made 10 or more 3-pointers in 14 games (after doing it just once last season) ranking second in the Big Ten in 3-point field goals per game (8.1). In conference games, MSU shot a Big Ten-best .410, while also pacing the Big Ten with 8.6 makes per contest. The Spartans established a school single-game record with 17 made 3-pointers at Purdue, tying the Big Ten record for a conference game. On the season, MSU's 291 made 3-pointers have already established the school single-season record. Last season, the Spartans shot .338 from 3-point range, hitting 177-of-523. The 2003-04 squad was the best shooting team of the Tom Izzo era, shooting .401, while the 1989-90 squad shot a school-record .431.
The Complete Package
Gary Harris gets a lot of notoriety for his scoring, as he ranks sixth in the Big Ten (16.9 ppg). But what makes him special is his ability to be a difference maker on both ends of the court, leading the Spartans with 63 steals, ranking fourth in the conference (1.9 spg). In Big Ten action, he ranked fourth in scoring (17.2 ppg) and second in steals (2.3 spg).
Spartans Hit The Mark
On the season, Michigan State leads the Big Ten in field-goal percentage at .477. The Spartans have shot 50 percent or better in 15 games, including a season-high .631 against Mount St. Mary's. Against North Florida, MSU shot a season-best 70.8 percent in the first half. MSU has shot better than its opponent in all but six games this season, losing all six of those contests.
Spartan Spurtability
Michigan State's dynamic offense has shown the ability to score points in bunches. In 18 games, the Spartans have posted at least a 10-0 run. Some of MSU's best spurts include 21-0 vs. New Orleans, 18-0 vs. McNeese State, and 15-0 against Minnesota. MSU has had a run of 8-0 or better in 27 games.
Appling Ranks Among MSU Career Leaders
Entering the final postseason run of his career, Keith Appling is poised to leave his name throughout the MSU career leader record book. He ranks 18th in career scoring (1,505 points), fourth in career starts (121), tied for fifth in games played (140), seventh in made free throws (389), eighth in 3-point field-goal attempts (411), eighth in steals (151), ninth in assists (461) and 10th in free throw attempts (519). He is also just eight made 3-point field goals (138) from moving into the MSU career Top 10 in that category.
MSU In March
Michigan State is 79-32 (.712) in March since the 1998-99 season. For his career, Tom Izzo is 86-39 (.688) in March. Over the last five-plus years (2009-present), MSU is 33-12 (.733) in what Coach Izzo calls his favorite month of the year.
Spartans Away From Home
Michigan State is 16-4 away from home this season, including 7-3 on an opponent's home court, and 9-1 on a neutral court. This year marked the first time in school history that MSU won at least its first seven games away from East Lansing, opening with wins in its first 10 games away from home. MSU won its first five true road games by 14 points or more, marking the first time in school history it has accomplished that feat during a single season, and won six of its 10 road games by 14 or more points. MSU's 16 wins away from home are tied for fourth most in the nation.
Payne Returns With A Bang
After missing seven games with a right foot sprain, Adreian Payne has been a force in his return, averaging 16.9 points and 6.8 rebounds in 14 games. He's started the last 13 contests, averaging 17.3 points and 7.1 rebounds, including scoring 41 points against Delaware, 24 against Wisconsin, 20 against Northwestern (adding 14 rebounds against the Wildcats), 23 points at Purdue, and 23 against Ohio State. In 14 games, he's shooting .506 from the field, and .438 from 3-point range, averaging 26.5 minutes. He's posted a double-double in two of the 14 games.
Big Ten Stat Champs
Michigan State finished Big Ten play as the statistical leader in four different team categories, pacing the conference in 3-point field-goal percentage (.410), 3-point field goals made (8.6), assists (15.9 apg), and blocked shots (5.0 bpg). It marks the first time that MSU has led the conference in blocks (since 1982). It's the second time MSU has led the Big Ten in 3-point field goals made, and the fourth time it's led in 3-point field-goal percentage.
Dawson's Return
Branden Dawson returned to action against Illinois after missing nine games with a broken hand suffered on Jan. 23. The Spartans are 23-3 with Dawson, averaging 77.2 points on .479 shooting, while holding opponents to 65.2 points and a .394 field-goal percentage. MSU is also averaging 7.3 steals and 5.0 blocks with Dawson in the lineup. In his 21 starts, MSU has posted a 19-2 record. Without Dawson, MSU is averaging 74.7 points on .470 shooting, while allowing 67.6 points on .416 shooting, as the Spartans average just 5.8 steals and 3.8 blocks. During the nine games that Dawson missed with a broken hand, MSU allowed 69.8 points on .433 shooting. In the eight games since his return, Dawson is averaging 12.6 points and 7.3 rebounds, shooting .652 from the field.
Lending A Helping Hand
Michigan State is averaging 17.0 assists on the season, pacing the Big Ten and ranking sixth in the nation. With 611 assists on 985 made field goals, the Spartans are recording an assist on 62.4 percent of their baskets. MSU ranks third in the Big Ten and 13th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.5) (NCAA stats through March 23). Keith Appling is third in the conference in assists (4.6 apg) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.2), while Denzel Valentine is eighth in assists (3.9 apg) and second in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.2). Four Spartans average two or more assists as Gary Harris (2.7 apg), and Travis Trice (2.4 apg) join Appling.
Payne From Deep
Through the first 87 games of his career, Adreian Payne shot just 1-of-4 from 3-point range. Over the last 49 games, he is 55-of-130 (.423), averaging more than one made 3-pointer per contest. On 15 occasions, including 13 times this season, he's made more than one in a game.
Double-Double Trouble
Six different Spartans have collected a total of 17 double-doubles this season. Adreian Payne leads the team with six, including two since his return from injury, while Branden Dawson has five. Denzel Valentine has three, while Gary Harris, Keith Appling and Matt Costello each have one. Payne ranks tied for second in the Big Ten, while Dawson is tied for fifth. No other Big Ten team has more than four different players with a double-double. (Complete list of Spartan double-doubles on page 10.)
Taking Care Of The Ball
Michigan State is on pace to shatter the mark for fewest turnovers during the Tom Izzo era. MSU is currently averaging 11.5 turnovers, and just 11.6 in conference. The previous low during the Izzo era was 13.0 in 2011-12. The Spartans are 14-3 when committing fewer turnovers than their opponent. MSU ranks seventh in the Big Ten in turnover margin (+0.6), out-scoring opponents by +1.5 points per game (14.6-13.1) in points off turnovers. In the postseason, MSU is averaging 10.6 turnovers, after averaging 15.3 in the previous four games. In the NCAA Tournament, MSU is averaging 12.5 turnovers.
Trice Runs The Point
When Keith Appling missed three games in February, Travis Trice filled in admirably as the starting point guard for five games. In those five starts, he averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds, totaling 22 assists and just two turnovers in 150 minutes. The seven assists he totaled against Penn State were a personal high against a Big Ten opponent, while his 13 points at Wisconsin were the most he had ever scored against a Big Ten team at the time. Although he has since returned to his role as one of the nation's best reserve guards, he's continued to play at a high level. Over his last 14 games, Trice is averaging 8.9 points and 2.9 assists with a 3.3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Against Iowa, he scored 17 points, establishing a new personal best against a conference foe. In the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Trice scored a season-high 19 points against Delaware, knocking down 7-of-8 shots, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range.
Valentine's Versatility
Denzel Valentine is one of just two Spartans to appear in all 36 games, and the only one to appear in every contest averaging more than 10 minutes (29.0 mpg - third on the team). He is the only player in the Big Ten to rank among the top 12 in both rebounding (12th, 6.0 rpg) and assists (8th, 3.9 apg). In conference games, he ranked second in the Big Ten in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.3) and seventh in rebounding (6.4 rpg). He's even elevated his play as of late, scoring in double figures in 11 of the last 19 games, averaging 9.1 points and 6.3 rebounds. He's led MSU in assists in 15 games and in rebounding 11 times.
Spartans In Overtime
Michigan State is 3-0 in overtime this season, including 2-0 at home. In fact, MSU has won its last seven overtime games, with its last OT loss coming to Minnesota in the 2010 Big Ten Tournament. The Spartans last had three overtime games in Big Ten play during the 2011 campaign.
Payne's Senior Season
After opting to bypass the NBA Draft and return to Michigan State, Adreian Payne has been determined to make the most of his senior season. He ranks second on the team in scoring (16.6 ppg) and rebounding (7.3 rpg), ranking seventh in the conference in scoring, third in rebounding, and fourth in field-goal percentage (.515). He's posted a double-double in six games this season. He's topped 20 points on nine occasions, including a career-high 41 against Delaware and 33 against Texas. He's captured Big Ten Player of the Week honors twice this season (Nov. 18 and Dec. 23). He returned to action against Penn State (Feb. 6), scoring 12 points in 18 minutes, after missing the previous seven games while resting a sprained foot. Prior to the Penn State game, his last action came against Ohio State on Jan. 7, nearly one month earlier. Following his return, he posted the first back-to-back 20-point games of his career with 24 points vs. Wisconsin and 20 vs. Northwestern, and with his 23 points at Purdue, 23 at Ohio State, and 41 vs. Delaware, he has scored 20 or more points in five of his 13 starts since injury, with two double-doubles. He was named second-team All-Big Ten, USBWA All-District and second-team NABC All-District.
Next Man Up
There's no secret that the Spartans have been forced to deal with several injuries this season, but they understand that their opponents won't ease up, nor are they looking for any sympathy. Just as the Spartan football team employed the "Next Man Up" motto, with reserve linebacker Kyler Elsworth making the game-clinching fourth-down stop in the Rose Bowl, so too has the Spartan basketball team. For instance, in the seven games that Adreian Payne missed, Matt Costello averaged 7.0 points and 5.4 rebounds, compared to 2.6 points and 3.0 rebounds before that. Denzel Valentine also elevated his production, averaging 8.6 points and 7.4 rebounds in Payne's absence. Over the last 21 games, Costello is averaging 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds and Valentine is averaging 8.7 points and 6.5 rebounds. When Branden Dawson went down Jan. 23, more opportunities opened in the Spartan lineup. First, Alvin Ellis III doubled his career high with 12 points against Michigan. Against Iowa on Jan. 28, Russell Byrd stepped up and hit a game-clinching 3-pointer in overtime after not playing in five of the first six Big Ten games, and not hitting a 3-pointer since Dec. 17.
Different Ways To Win
With its 54-40 win at Northwestern, Michigan State proved it could win a low-scoring contest with its defense. But MSU has also shown it can win with a potent offense. MSU has won games when scoring in the 50's (1), 60's (4), 70's (8), 80's (8), 90's (6), and 100's (1). Wisconsin and Michigan State are the only teams to accomplish this feat in the Big Ten.
Appling Paces The Big Ten
Keith Appling leads the Big Ten with four games in which he's tallied at least 20 points and seven assists. The rest of the conference has just six occasions combined. The Spartan senior also paces the Big Ten with three games of at least 20 points, 7 assists and five rebounds.
Kaminski For Three
Red-shirt freshman Kenny Kaminski is quickly establishing himself as one of the top shooters in the conference. On the season, he is shooting .493 (37-75) from 3-point range, pacing the Big Ten. He was equally prolific in conference play, connecting on 25-of-54 attempts (.463) from behind the arc, ranking third in the conference. In two games (vs. Minnesota and Penn State) Kaminski hit five 3-pointers, connecting on his first five attempts in both contests.
All-Big Ten Spartans
Four Spartans were honored when the All-Big Ten Teams were announced on March 10. Gary Harris was selected to the first team, while also being selected to the All-Defensive Team. Adreian Payne earned a spot on the second team, despite missing six Big Ten games, while both Keith Appling and Denzel Valentine were honorable mention selections. Valentine was the MSU recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Costello With The Rejection
Since returning from missing four games with mono in December, Matt Costello is proving his worth in the Spartan lineup, especially on the defensive end. In 18 conference games, he totaled 24 blocks (1.3 bpg), ranking eighth in the Big Ten. Overall, he ranks 10th in the conference at 1.3 bpg (41 blocks). He's also showing some offense, averaging 5.0 points in the last 21 games, including scoring 11 vs. Iowa, 10 vs. Penn State, nine vs. Michigan and Northwestern, and eight at Illinois.
Izzo Moves Up Big Ten Coaching List
With MSU's 78-62 win at Illinois on Jan. 18, Tom Izzo passed Illinois' Lou Henson for sole possesion of fourth place on the Big Ten career victories list with 215 wins. Izzo currently stands at 221 career Big Ten wins. Earlier in the season (Jan. 4) during MSU's 73-56 win at Indiana, Izzo moved past IU's Branch McCracken for fifth place on the career Big Ten victories list with 211. Indiana's Bob Knight is the all-time leader with 353 Big Ten wins. Gene Keady is second at 265 wins, while Ward Lambert ranks third with 228.
20-Point Spartans
Four different Spartans have scored 20 points or more in a game this season. Gary Harris leads the way with 10 20-point efforts, while Adreian Payne has nine, Keith Appling has seven and Branden Dawson has two. (Complete list of Spartan 20-point efforts on page 10.)
On The Run
Michigan State has been eager to get out in transition this season, even more so than normal. Speaking at MSU's annual media day, Tom Izzo told the assembled media "I think we should be a team that can run, run, run and run." MSU is averaging 76.5 points per game, ranking second in the Big Ten. It's MSU's highest scoring team since averaging 78.5 in 2004-05, and the third-best scoring average of the Izzo era.
Guard Rebounds
Three of MSU's four leading rebounders play on the perimeter. Branden Dawson is averaging a team-best 8.3 rebounds from the wing. Denzel Valentine (6.0 rpg) ranks third on the team, and Gary Harris (4.1 rpg) ranks fourth. Either Dawson or Valentine has led the Spartans in rebounding in 26 of 36 games.
Spartans At The Charity Stripe
MSU is shooting .704 from the foul line this season. The three Spartans that attempt the most free throws (Appling-140 attempts, .664; Harris-137 attempts, .810; Payne-132 attempts, .780) are shooting a combined .751 (307-409) from the free throw line. MSU is shooting .851 from the foul line in the NCAA Tournament, after entering the tournament shooting .693.
Appling Runs The Team
Senior Keith Appling is in his third season as Michigan State's starting point guard, having gained more confidence each season. He's finished in the Top 10 in the Big Ten in assists as a sophomore and junior, but he spoke this offseason about becoming better at running his team, gaining praise from Coach Izzo for his development. He's averaging a career-best 4.6 assists per game and owns a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking third in the Big Ten in assists and third in assist-to-turnover ratio. In a win over No. 1 Kentucky, Appling dished out eight assists, in addition to his 22 points and eight rebounds. Coach Izzo described Appling's 25-point, seven-assist effort vs. Portland "one of the greatest point guard performances in many, many, many years when you look at what he shot and the decisions he made. He did just an unbelievable job defensively ... He was worth the price of admission." He paced MSU with a career-high 27 points vs. Oklahoma, earning Coaches vs. Cancer Classic MVP honors. He scored a team-high 21 points vs. Oakland, including 18 points in the second half. He matched his career high with 27 points against New Orleans, adding eight assists, earning co-Big Ten Player of the Week honors on Dec. 30. In an overtime win against No. 3 Ohio State, Appling led the Spartans in scoring (20 points) and assists (7) and tied for the team lead in rebounds (6). He followed with a game-high 24 points vs. Minnesota, including eight points (8-8 FT) in overtime. Against Michigan, he recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and a career-high 10 assists. He came off the bench at Purdue to dish out nine assists. He's led MSU in scoring in nine games and in assists 20 times. The Spartans are a perfect 9-0 when Appling leads the team in scoring. Due to a wrist injury he missed three games in February, and took some time to get back in the flow. His 12-point effort vs. Iowa on March 6 was his first double-figure effort since scoring 16 at Iowa on Jan. 28. He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten, while also earning second-team NABC All-District honors.
Valentine And Trice Are Key Contributors
Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine were not in the starting lineup at the beginning of the season when MSU had its full complement of players, but in the eyes of Coach Izzo, they might as well have been. Izzo has regularly referred to the duo as "super subs." Valentine ranks fifth on the team in scoring (8.1 ppg) and third in minutes (29.0 mpg), while Trice ranks sixth in scoring (7.6 ppg) and minutes (22.3 mpg). Valentine (3.9 apg) is second in assist average, while Trice (2.4 apg) is fourth. Due to different injuries and ailments, Valentine ranks second on the team with 31 starts, including 28 straight, while Trice has started eight games.
MSU's Super Sophomore
Following a season that saw him earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, Gary Harris has had an even better sophomore campaign. After opting to return to Michigan State for his sophomore season rather than enter the NBA Draft, Harris opened the year by recording his first career double-double with 20 points, a career-high 10 rebounds and dishing out a career-high six assists. He followed that effort with another 20-point contest against No. 1 Kentucky. He leads the team and ranks sixth in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 16.9 points per contest, scoring 20 or more points in a team-best 10 games. During the non-conference, he missed three games (Mount St. Mary's, Oakland and North Florida) while resting an injured ankle. He's earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and All-District accolades from the NABC and USBWA.
Playing The Best
Since the 1997-98 season, the year of MSU's first of 17 straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Spartans have played 184 games against ranked opponents. That total ranks first among teams that have appeared in a Final Four in that span. The Spartans are followed by North Carolina (167), Duke (159), Kentucky (159), and Connecticut (153).
20-Win Seasons
With its 82-67 win over Penn State, MSU recorded its 14th 20-win season in the last 17 years, all under head coach Tom Izzo. Of the 22 20-win seasons in Spartan history, Izzo has been involved in 19 of them: 14 as a head coach and five as an assistant.
Payne's Block Party
Senior Adreian Payne is the MSU career leader with 138 blocks, having passed Drew Naymick (134 blocks) in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Payne blocked a career-best five shots in the third round of the 2013 NCAA Tournament against Memphis, en route to 46 on the season, good for the sixth-best single-season effort in school history.
Dawson's Energy On Display
Branden Dawson didn't miss a game last season despite tearing his ACL at the end of his freshman year, and yet he wasn't functioning at 100 percent. He has been a much more active player this season, exhibiting the rare combination of strength and athleticism that rank him among the Big Ten's elite. He is currently averaging a team-best 8.3 rebounds, leading the team in 18 of 26 games in which he's played, and 11.0 points. His tip-in with five seconds remaining sealed the win over No. 1 Kentucky. He has five double-doubles on the season, ranking second on the team. Dawson missed nine straight games with a broken bone in his right hand (Jan. 25-Feb. 23). He ranked second in the Big Ten in rebounding and field-goal percentage before dropping out of the rankings due to missing too many games due to injury. In eight games since his return from injury, he's averaging 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks, shooting .652 from the field.
Nation's Best Backcourt
Michigan State makes a strong claim for having the nation's best backcourt. Gary Harris, Keith Appling, Branden Dawson, Denzel Valentine, and Travis Trice rank among MSU's top six in scoring, while Appling, Harris, Dawson and Trice have each scored 20 or more points at least once during their career. Not only are they dynamic offensively, they also can provide lockdown defense. With Appling and Harris, MSU features the only team in the nation with two backcourt players on the 23-man midseason watch list for the Oscar Robertson Trophy and the 30-man Naismith Trophy List.
It's All About Boardwork
Michigan State has led the nation in rebounding in four of the last 14 seasons (2000, 2001, 2009, 2010), ranking in the Top 10 nine times and the Top 25 on 12 occasions. MSU has led the Big Ten in rebounding margin in conference games in 11 of the last 16 years. In the Tom Izzo era, MSU has out-rebounded 504 of 653 opponents (.772), posting a 400-104 (.794) mark in those games. Last season, the Spartans out-rebounded 32 of 36 opponents. This season, MSU owns a +5.4 rebounding margin, ranking third in the Big Ten and 21st in the nation (NCAA stats through March 23), and has out-rebounded 27 of 36 opponents, posting a 22-5 mark when grabbing more rebounds. MSU has out-rebounded its last 14 opponents.
1,000-Point Scorers
With 24 points against Wisconsin, Adreian Payne become the 44th player in Michigan State history to reach 1,000 points for his career. Last season, Keith Appling became the 43rd player to accomplish the feat, and just the 29th player to reach the milestone in three seasons. With 1,505 career points, Appling ranks 18th in MSU career scoring, 12 points behind Draymond Green (1,517 points). With 1,203 points for his career, Payne is 30th, nine points behind Ken Redfield and Kirk Manns (1,212 points each) and 39 points behind Stan Washington (1,242 points). With 997 points, Gary Harris needs three points to become the 45th player in MSU history to score 1,000 career points.
Award Watch Lists
After not appearing on the Midseason Top 25 list, Gary Harris is one of 15 players on the final ballot for the John R. Wooden Award. Keith Appling and Adreian Payne each earned a spot on the Midseason Top 25 list. The Wooden Award All-American Team, consisting of the nation's top 10 players, will be announced the week of the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament. Harris and Appling were also named to the Naismith Trophy Midseason Top 30 List. Appling and Harris were two of 23 players named to the 2014 Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List.
MSU In The Rankings
The Spartans are currently ranked No. 11 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 13 in the USA Today Coaches' Poll (March 17). Six Spartan opponents are also ranked in at least one of the polls, including Michigan (7/8), Wisconsin (12/15), North Carolina (19/18), Oklahoma (21/20), Ohio State (22/24), and Kentucky (-/22).
Cousy Award Finalist
Senior Keith Appling was one of 24 semi-finalists for the 2014 Bob Cousy Collegiate Point Guard of the Year Award. The annual honor, named for Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic Bob Cousy, recognizes the top point guard in men's college basketball. This list of finalists was narrowed down to a final six in early March. The Cousy Award winner will be presented the award on Championship Monday in Dallas at the Hall of Fame's Class of 2014 Announcement and Press Conference.
MSU At No. 1
Earlier this season, Michigan State held the No. 1 spot in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Polls for three straight weeks for the first time in school history. Although the Spartans have been ranked in the Top 10 in 15 of Tom Izzo's 19 seasons, and the Top 5 in 11 seasons, this was just the second season under Coach Izzo, and just the third time in school history that MSU has held the top spot in the AP Top 25, having previously been ranked No. 1 for two weeks in both 1978-79 and 2000-01. The Spartans have an all-time record of 9-4 at No. 1.
Spartan Freshmen
Michigan State features three freshmen in its playing group, including red-shirt freshman Kenny Kaminski, and true freshmen Alvin Ellis III and Gavin Schilling. Kaminski redshirted last season following a shoulder injury he suffered last fall. He provides a big man with excellent shooting ability for the Spartans. Ellis III and Schilling were prep teammates as juniors at Chicago De La Salle High School before Schilling transferred to Findlay Prep in Nevada for his senior season. Ellis III provides a solid all-around presence on the perimeter, while Schilling provides great strength and quickness in the post. Both Ellis III and Schilling were added during the spring signing period in 2013.
MSU VS. CONNECTICUT NOTES
About Connecticut
Seventh-seeded Connecticut defeated No.10-seed Saint Joseph's in the second round, 89-81, and No. 2-seed Villanova in the third round, 77-65, to advance to the Sweet 16 for the 17th time in school history. Connecticut had a 12-6 record in the American Athletic Conference to finish third in the regular-season standings.
Connecticut vs. The Field of 68
The Huskies are 7-5w against teams in this year's NCAA Tournament. UConn went 3-1 against non-conference teams in the field, including wins over Indiana, Florida, and Harvard, and a loss to Stanford. In AAC play, Connecticut defeated Memphis twice, lost to Louisville three times and took two of three from Cinncinnati.
Common Opponents
Michigan State and UConn have both played Indiana and Harvard this season. The Huskies defeated both teams, while the Spartans swept Indiana and beat Harvard to advance to the Sweet 16.
Series History
Connecticut leads the all-time series against Michigan State, 3-2. The last meeting between the two teams was the Spartans' season opener in 2012, with UConn posting a 66-62 win over MSU in the Armed Forces Classic at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany. In 2009, the Spartans topped No. 1-seed UConn, 82-73, in the Final Four to advance to their third national title game. The series dates back to 1998, when Michigan State fell at Connecticut, 68-82, on Dec. 5.
Coach Ollie
Kevin Ollie (UConn, '95) is 48-18 in his second season as a head coach, and fourth season with the Huskies, as he was an assistant under Jim Calhoun from 2010-2012. He is the only head coach in UConn history to post a 20-win season in his first year and reach 45 victories within his first two seasons. The Huskies are 3-0 in the NCAA Tournament with Ollie on staff. Prior to returning to his alma mater where was a two-time captain and member of the UConn All-Century team, Ollie spent 13 years in the NBA with 11 different teams, ending his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009-10.
Husky Notes
UConn is making its 32nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament, with an all-time record of 54-29 ... The Huskies have won three National Championships (1999, 2004 and 2011) and also appeared in the 2009 Final Four ... UConn has recorded a 33-8 record in its last 12 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, dating back to its 6-0 run to the national title in 1999 ... The Huskies last made a tournament appearance in 2012, falling to eighth-seeded Iowa State 77-64 in the second round of the South Region ... Senior guard Shabazz Napier (17.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.9 apg) was named the AAC Player of the Year and was also a first-team All-America selection by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association as well as that organization's District I Player of the Year ... UConn leads the AAC and ranks seventh nationally in free-throw percentage (.765) ... The Huskies also rank first in the AAC in 3-point field-goal percentage (.392) and blocked shots (6.0 bpg).
MSU VS. IOWA STATE NOTES
About Iowa State
Third-seeded Iowa State defeated No. 14 seed North Carolina Central in the second round, 93-75, and sixth-seeded North Carolina in the third round, 85-83, to advance to the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in program history (1986, 1997, 2000). The Cyclones had an 11-7 record in Big 12 play to finish tied for third in the regular-season standings. ISU won its second Big 12 Tournament title with victories over Kansas State, Kansas and Baylor.
Iowa State vs. The Field of 68
The Cyclones played nine teams during the regular season that earned bids to the NCAA Tournament, posting a 12-6 record. In non-conference play, Iowa State defeated Michigan, BYU and Iowa. In conference games, ISU swept Oklahoma State, took two of three games against Baylor and Kansas State, split with Oklahoma and Texas, and lost two of three to Kansas.
Common Opponents
Michigan State and Iowa State have both played Michigan, Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas and North Carolina this season. MSU went 5-3 against those opponents, sweeping Iowa, defeating Oklahoma and Texas, falling to North Carolina and dropping two of three to Michigan. ISU collected a 5-2 record against those same schools, topping Michigan, Iowa and North Carolina, while splitting with Oklahoma and Texas.
Series History
Michigan State leads the all-time series against Iowa State, 4-2. The last meeting also marks the only postseason matchup between the two teams, as the top-seeded Spartans rallied to defeat the second-seeded Cyclones in the 2000 Midwest Regional Final, 75-64, on March 25 at The Palace of Auburn Hills, Mich., en route to winning the National Championship. MSU trailed ISU by seven points with 5:49 left in the game, but outscored the Cyclones 23-5 the rest of the way to win by double digits. The first-ever matchup was a 60-53 Iowa State victory on Dec. 1, 1956, in Jenison Field House.
Coach Hoiberg
Fred Hoiberg (Iowa State, 1995) is 90-46 (.662) in his fourth season as head coach of his alma mater, including three consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament (4-2 record). He was named the 2012 Big 12 Co-Coach of the Year after guiding the Cyclones back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005. This season, he has led ISU to the second-most wins in program history, with 28 heading into the East Regional. Hoiberg had an illustrious playing career in Ames, scoring 1,993 points, third most in school history. He was a first-team All-Big Eight selection and third-team All-American his senior season in 1995, and his No. 32 jersey was retired by Iowa State in 1997. An eight-year NBA veteran playing for the Pacers and Bulls, Hoiberg worked in the front office for the Timberwolves as the Vice President of Basketball Operations before coaching at ISU.
Cyclone Notes
Iowa State is making its third-straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament and 16th overall in school history ... ISU owns a 16-15 all-time record in the NCAA Tournament, including one trip to the Final Four (1944) ... The Cyclones have lost in the third round the past two seasons ... Iowa State entered the NCAA Tournament just one of four schools nationally with three players averaging at least 16 points a game ... Senior forward Melvin Ejim, who was named the Big 12 Player of the Year, ranks tied for first in the Big 12 in scoring (18.1 ppg) and third in the conference in rebounding (8.4 rpg) and field-goal percentage (.513) ... Ejim is the third Cyclone to win Big 12 Player of the Year honors (Marcus Fizer, 2000; Jamaal Tinsley, 2001) ... Ejim is the second Cyclone and fourth Big 12 player to reach the 1,500-point mark and 1,000-rebound mark for his career ... He scored a Big 12-record 48 points on Feb. 8 against TCU ... Senior guard and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year DeAndre Kane, who graduated from Marshall last year, leads the team in assists (5.8 apg) and steals (1.3 spg) and ranks second on the team in scoring (17.1 ppg) and third in rebounding (6.8 rpg) ... Kane also was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team, along with Ejim ... Kane made the game-winning layup with less than two seconds remaining to defeat North Carolina in the third round ... Sophomore forward Georges Niang (16.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 48 3-pointers), a third-team All-Big 12 honoree, suffered a fracture in his right foot during the second-round win over North Carolina Central and will miss the rest of the NCAA Tournament ... The Cyclones lead the Big 12 and rank fifth in the nation in scoring offense (83.2 ppg); however, ISU ranks ninth in the Big 12 and 280th in the nation in scoring defense (73.9 ppg) ... ISU shoots 47.5 percent from the field, good for second in the Big 12 and 28th in the nation ... The Cyclones rank No. 1 in the country in assists (18.5 apg) and second in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.7).
The Book On Tom Coach Izzo
In his 19th year, Tom Izzo (Northern Michigan, '77) is 467-186 (.715), and 221-101 (.686) in the Big Ten, as the head coach of the Michigan State basketball program. He ranks as the winningest coach in Michigan State history, having passed his mentor Jud Heathcote with his 341st career victory on Nov. 28, 2009. In his 18 seasons as a head coach, Izzo has captured eight National Coach of the Year awards, including the Clair Bee Award in 2005 and NABC honors in 2001 and 2012. In 1999, Izzo was named National Coach of the Year by Basketball Times, while earning similar honors from The Associated Press, Basketball News and the USBWA in '98. He also earned National Coach of the Year accolades from CBSSports.com in 2012. He earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 1998, 2009 and 2012.
Among The Big Ten's Best
Tom Izzo's .686 winning percentage in Big Ten games ranks fourth all-time among league coaches with at least 10 years of service, behind Wisconsin's Bo Ryan (.703), former Indiana coach Bob Knight (.700), and Ohio State's Thad Matta (.695) and ahead of former Purdue coach Ward Lambert (.685). In all games, Matta ranks first at .768, followed by Knight (.734), Ryan (.727), Izzo (.715), Wisconsin's Walter Meanwell (.712), and Lambert (.709). With 221 conference victories, Izzo ranks fourth all-time.
Izzo Among Best Ever
Through his first 18 seasons, Tom Izzo won 439 games, ranking fourth in college basketball history for most wins by a college coach in his first 18 years.
Izzo's Coaching Tree
Four current Division I head coaches all served as assistants to Tom Izzo, including Tom Crean (Indiana), Brian Gregory (Georgia Tech), Mark Montgomery (Northern Illinois) and Doug Wojcik (College of Charleston). Stan Heath has been a head coach for 12 seasons, with stints at Kent State, Arkansas and South Florida. Mike Garland served as head coach at Cleveland State for three seasons and Stan Joplin, an assistant during Izzo's first season, spent 12 seasons as head coach at Toledo. Jim Boylen was head coach at Utah for four years.
