Post Game Notes: Florida

Dec. 12, 2015

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No. 1 Michigan State advances the all-time series with Florida to 4-3 in favor of the Spartans, including 2-0 at home. Last time two teams met in East Lansing was on Dec. 6, 2000, when five Spartans scored in double figures to beat the Gators, 99-83.

Senior forward Matt Costello tied his season high with three blocks in the matchup, moving into a tie for fourth place in all-time block leaders alongside Draymond Green with 117.

Saturday's 45-34 rebounding margin was MSU's fourth-straight game with a 10+ rebounding margin.

Michigan State recorded 18 assists on 21 baskets, led by sophomore guard Tum Tum Nairn Jr. who recorded five. It is the third time this season Nairn Jr. has led the Spartans in assists.

MSU's defense held Florida to 22.2 percent 3-point shooting, marking the Spartans' third-straight game holding the opponent to less than 30 percent.

Senior guard Denzel Valentine and senior guard Bryn Forbes were the only two Spartans to score in double figures. Valentine recorded 17 points, including hitting three of the Spartans five 3-pointers. Forbes followed suit with 12 points, hitting one 3-pointer, and grabbed six rebounds, which marks his most as a Spartan.

Sophomore forward Marvin Clark Jr. tied his career best with six rebounds. This the eighth time Clark has recorded six rebounds as a Spartan.

MSU's largest lead of the game came at 17:25 in the second half when the Spartans were on top of the Gators by eight.