Michigan State University Athletics
Spartans Open Big Ten Tournament Friday Night
3/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
| No. 3 Michigan State (21-10, 12-6) - Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals | |
| Date | Friday, March 13, 2015 |
| Time | 9 p.m. ET |
| Location | Chicago, Ill. | United Center |
| Television | BTN (Eric Collins, Bill Raftery, Rick Pizzo) |
| Radio | Spartan Sports Network (Will Tieman, Gus Ganakas, Matt Steigenga) |
| Game Notes | Michigan State |
| Statistics | Michigan State |
| Live Stats | |
| Social Media | @MSU_Basketball  | Facebook  | Instagram |
| Preview Videos |  Coach Izzo | Student-Athletes |
THE OPENING TIP
Michigan State enters the 2015 Big Ten Tournament as the No. 3 seed for the third-straight season. The Spartans have won two of the last three tournament titles (2012 and 2014). MSU will play the winner of Thursday's game between Ohio State and the Minnesota/Rutgers winner from Wednesday.
THE STARTING FIVE
1. MSU In The Big Ten Tournament
The Spartans are looking to capture their fifth Big Ten Tournament championship, as they and the Buckeyes lead the Big Ten with four tournament titles. In 17 previous years of the Big Ten Tournament, MSU has a record of 22-13. The Spartans won the tournament in 1999, 2000, 2012 and 2014, and lost in the quarterfinals in 1998, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2010. MSU lost in the semifinals in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2013. The Spartans are 9-6 when the tournament is held in Chicago. The Spartans are 11-6 in the quarterfinals, including 4-4 in Chicago.
2. MSU As A No. 3 Seed
This is the fifth time Michigan State has been the No. 3 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, holding that spot for the third straight season. In 2004, MSU defeated No. 6 Northwestern, 68-55, before falling to No. 2 Wisconsin, 68-66. In 2010, the Spartans fell to No. 6 Minnesota, 72-67 (OT), in the quarterfinals, but would go on to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. In 2013, MSU defeated No. 6 Iowa, 59-56, before falling to No. 2 Ohio State, 61-58. Last season, the Spartans captured the tournament crown as the third seed, defeating No. 11 Northwestern, 67-51, No. 2 Wisconsin, 83-75, and No. 1 Michigan, 69-55.
3. All-Big Ten Spartans
Three Spartans were honored when the All-Big Ten Teams were announced on March 9. Branden Dawson was selected to the second team, while also being named to the All-Defensive Team. Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine were both third-team selections. Trice was the MSU recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
4. Spartan Defense
On the season, MSU is limiting teams to 62.9 points on .397 FG%, including .311 from 3-point range. The Spartans lead the Big Ten in 3-point FG pct. defense, while ranking third in field-goal percentage defense, and fifth in scoring defense. In conference games, MSU ranked second in 3-point FG pct. defense (.327), fourth in FG pct. defense (.412), and eighth in scoring defense (64.9 ppg). The all-time lows of the Izzo era were a .379 FG% in 2011-12 and .298 3FG% in 2001-02.
5. Taking Care Of The Ball
Michigan State is averaging 11.7 turnovers per game. That ranks as the second-lowest average of the Tom Izzo era, as last year's squad averaged 11.6 per game. In conference games, MSU averaged just 11.0 per contest. MSU is averaging just 9.0 turnovers over the last six games, including four games with eight or fewer.
MSU VS. OHIO STATE NOTES
Series History
Michigan State leads the all-time series with Ohio State, 68-57. The Spartans have won 28 of the last 42 games in the series. Tom Izzo is 23-14 in his career against the Buckeyes. The last 11 games in the series have each been decided by 10 points or less. Seven of the last eight games have been decided by four points or less.
Spartans Vs. Buckeyes In Big Ten Tournament
Michigan State is 2-3 against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament, including 1-0 in the quarterfinals. No. 8 OSU defeated No. 5 MSU, 55-54, in the 2003 semifinals. In 2008, No. 4 MSU defeated No. 5 OSU, 67-60, in the quarterfinals. No. 5 OSU defeated No. 1 MSU, 82-70, in the 2009 semifinals. The No. 1 Spartans defeated the No. 3 Buckeyes, 68-64, in the 2012 championship game. In 2013, No. 2 OSU beat No. 3 MSU, 61-58, in the semifinals.
The Season Series
Denzel Valentine hit a game-winning 3-pointer with 3.2 seconds left to give Michigan State a 59-56 victory over Ohio State on Feb. 14, in the only regular-season meeting between the Spartans and Buckeyes. MSU led 33-24 at the half, but the game was tight for most of the second half. A Shannon Scott jumper gave OSU a 49-47 lead with 5:22 remaining. After the teams exchanged jumpers, Valentine hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give MSU a one point lead at 52-51. Branden Dawson hit a pair of free throws to give MSU a 3-point lead. After the teams exchanged baskets, Sam Thompson hit a contested 3-pointer with 36 seconds left to tie the game at 56, setting the stage for Valentine's game-winner. Valentine led MSU with 17 points and Branden Dawson posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Shannon Scott led four Buckeyes in double figures with 15 points.
MSU VS. MINNESOTA NOTES
Series History
Michigan State leads the all-time series with Minnesota, 65-59. The Spartans have won 14 of the last 17, 19 of the last 23, and 24 of the last 30 meetings. Tom Izzo has a 27-10 all-time record against the Golden Gophers.
Spartans Vs. Minnesota In Big Ten Tournament
Michigan State is 1-2 against Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament, with all three meetings coming in the quarterfinals. No. 8 Minnesota upset No. 1 Michigan State, 76-73, in the inaugural tournament in 1998. In 2009, No. 1 MSU defeated No. 8 Minnesota, 64-56. One year later, No. 6 Minnesota defeated No. 3 MSU, 72-67, in overtime.
The Season Series
Minnesota defeated Michigan State, 96-90, in overtime, on Feb. 26, in the only regular-season meeting. MSU led 75-69 with 34 seconds remaining. Carlos Morris hit a deep 3-pointer but Denzel Valentine responded with two free throws. Leading 77-72, Dawson fouled King on a 3-pointer and he made all three foul shots. Valentine then made one of two free throws to give MSU a 78-75 lead. Morris hit a tying 3-pointer and was fouled with 2.2 seconds left. However, he missed the foul shot, sending the game into overtime. Minnesota controlled the extra period leading by as many as eight points. The Gophers were 14-of-20 from the foul line in the extra period, while the Spartans hit just 5-of-9, and made 3-of-11 field goals. Valentine tied his career high with 27 points, while Travis Trice recorded his second career double-double with 21 points and 10 assists. Carlos Morris led five Gophers in double-figures with 20 points.
MSU VS. RUTGERS NOTES
Series History
Michigan State leads the all-time series with Rutgers, 2-0, including a 1-0 advantage on a neutral court. This season's meeting was the first between the Spartans and Scarlet Knights since 1970.
Spartans Vs. Rutgers In Big Ten Tournament
Michigan State and Rutgers have never met in the Big Ten Tournament as this is the Scarlet Knights' inaugural season in the conference.
The Season Series
Michigan State produced a dominating 71-51 win at Rutgers on Jan. 29 in the only meeting of the regular season. Leading 42-34 at the half, MSU opened the second half on a 20-2 run, including an 18-0 spurt, holding Rutgers without a point for nearly 10 minutes. Bryn Forbes led MSU with 18 points, while Branden Dawson posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Kadeem Jack was the only Rutgers player in double-figures with 17 points. MSU shot 50.9 percent from the field, while holding Rutgers to 29.1 percent shooting.
MSU BASKETBALL NOTES
Izzo's 20th Season
In his 20th season as Michigan State head coach, the 2014-15 campaign is Tom Izzo's 32nd year in East Lansing. An eight-time National Coach of the Year, Izzo has guided MSU to seven Big Ten Championships, four Big Ten Tournament titles, 17 straight NCAA Tournaments, six Final Four appearances, and the 2000 NCAA Championship in his stint as head coach. He is MSU's all-time winningest coach with 489 wins, and is the longest serving active men's basketball coach in the Big Ten. In addition, his 468 victories are the fourth-most by a coach in his first 19 years of coaching in NCAA history. The only high-major coaches with longer active tenures at one school are Syracuse's Jim Boeheim (39th season) and Duke's Mike Krzyzewski (35th season).
Izzo Moves Up Big Ten Coaching List
Tom Izzo ranks third on the career Big Ten victories list with 233. He moved into sole possession of third place with win No. 229 vs. Ohio State, passing former Purdue coach Ward Lambert (228 wins) . Indiana's Bob Knight is the all-time leader with 353 Big Ten wins, while Gene Keady ranks second with 265 victories. In terms of most wins at a Big Ten institution, Izzo already ranks third with 489, trailing only Knight (661 wins) and Keady (512).
2014 Big Ten Tournament Recap
Michigan State turned in three dominating performances in capturing its fourth Big Ten Tournament Championship in 2014. In the quarterfinals, Branden Dawson totaled 16 points and nine rebounds in a 67-51 win over Northwestern. In the semifinals, Adreian Payne scored 18 points to lead six Spartans in double figures in an 83-75 win over Wisconsin, as MSU led by as many as 21 points. In the finals, MSU and Michigan met for the first-time ever on a neutral court. Payne scored 18 and Dawson and Gary Harris added 15 in a commanding 69-55 win. Dawson averaged 15.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and shot .750 to earn Most Outstanding Player honors, while Harris and Payne made the all-tournament team.
MSU At The United Center
In addition to posting a 9-6 mark at the United Center during the Big Ten Tournament, the Spartans have played a couple other high-profile games in The House That Jordan Built. On Dec. 2, 1998, No. 4 Duke defeated No. 9 Michigan State, 73-67, in the Great Eight. In the 1999 Great Eight (Dec. 7), the fourth-ranked Spartans defeated the fifth-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, 66-54. Last season, No. 2 Michigan State defeated No. 1 Kentucky, 78-74, on Nov. 12, 2013, as Keith Appling tallied 22 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to lead the Spartans past the top-ranked Wildcats. Overall, MSU is 11-7 at the United Center.
Chicago Area Spartans
The metro Chicago area is home to three Spartans, including two starters. Sophomores Alvin Ellis III and Gavin Schilling both attended Chicago De La Salle high school. Although Schilling attended Findlay Prep in Nevada as a senior, he still calls Chicago home. Ellis resides in the southwest suburb of Matteson, Illinois. Senior Branden Dawson grew up just across the Illinois-Indiana state line in Gary, Indiana.
Trice's Late Surge
Senior Travis Trice is playing some of the best basketball of his career in his final stretch run as a Spartan. Over the last eight games, Trice is averaging a team-best 18.8 points and 4.9 assists, including shooting .400 from 3-point range. In the last six games, he's averaging 20.8 points and 5.2 assists. Before the Wisconsin game, Trice had assumed the role of a Morris Peterson and Draymond Green, former Spartans that starred off the bench. In five games off the bench, Trice averaged 17.2 points and 5.8 assists. Trice needs just four points to become the 47th Spartan to score 1,000-career points.
Valentine Regains The Outside Touch
In 13 non-conference games, Denzel Valentine shot .500 (35-70) from 3-point range. In the first eight conference games, he shot just .289 (13-45), making two or more 3-pointers in just four games, including just two with more than two. Beginning with the first Michigan contest, he's shown signs of regaining the early season form, shooting .423 (33-78) over the last 10 games, hitting four or more 3-pointers in six of the last 10 games, including five vs. Ohio State and seven vs. Minnesota.
MSU In March
Michigan State is 82-34 (.707) in March since the 1998-99 season. For his career, Tom Izzo is 89-41 (.685) in March. Over the last six-plus years (2009-present), MSU is 36-14 (.720) in what Coach Izzo calls his favorite month of the year.
Spartans Share The Ball
MSU is averaging 17.0 assists per game, leading the Big Ten and ranking fourth in the nation, recording an assist on 64.2 percent of its baskets. The 17.0 average is the third-best of the Izzo era, trailing only 2000-01 (17.5) and 2007-08 (17.5). In 14 games, MSU has recorded an assist on more than 70 percent of its baskets.
It's All About Boardwork
Michigan State owns a Big Ten-best +7.0 rebounding margin, having out-rebounded 24 of 31 opponents, ranking 14th in the nation. In the Tom Izzo era, MSU has out-rebounded 529 of 686 opponents (.771), posting a 418-111 (.790) mark in those games. The Spartans have led the nation in rebounding in four of the last 15 seasons (2000, 2001, 2009, 2010), ranking in the Top 10 nine times and the Top 25 on 12 occasions. Including this season, MSU has led the Big Ten in rebounding margin in conference games in 12 of the last 18 years and in 13 of 20 seasons under Tom Izzo.
Dawson Climbs Rebounding Chart
Branden Dawson is on pace to finish among the all-time leaders in Michigan State career rebounding. With 835 career boards, he is tied with Andre Hutson for eighth place in MSU history, 52 behind Goran Suton (887 rebounds) in seventh place.
Spartan Seniors
Spartan seniors Branden Dawson, Travis Trice and Keenan Wetzel were honored in a ceremony following MSU's game vs. Purdue. Over the last three-plus seasons, the Spartans have posted a 106-36 mark, advanced to three straight NCAA Tournaments, captured two Big Ten Tournament crowns (2012, 2014) and the 2012 Big Ten regular-season championship. Dawson ranks in the MSU career Top 10 in rebounds, blocks and steals, while Trice is on pace to soon join Dawson as a career 1,000-point scorer. Wetzel has appeared in 45 career games.
Dawson's Double-Doubles
Branden Dawson posted double-doubles in eight Big Ten games (Indiana, at Iowa, at Maryland, Penn State, at Rutgers, Michigan, Ohio State, at Michigan), leading all Big Ten players in conference games. Against Nebraska, he grabbed 18 rebounds, a personal best against a Big Ten opponent. Dawson grabbed double-figure rebounds in 11 conference games, averaging a Big Ten-best 9.8 rebounds per game in Big Ten play (9.3 rpg overall). He has nine double-doubles this season and 21 for his career.
Tum Tum In The Starting Lineup
Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Jr. has started nine games this season, including the last eight. In his starts, Nairn is averaging 3.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 25.9 minutes per contest. MSU is 7-2 when Nairn starts.
Dawson In Elite Group
Branden Dawson and Draymond Green are the only players in Michigan State history to rank in Top 10 in Spartan career rebounds, blocks and steals. Dawson currently ranks third in blocks (125), eighth in steals (156), and tied for eighth in rebounds (835).
Valentine's Versatility
Denzel Valentine is arguably the most versatile player in the Big Ten and the numbers provide the evidence. The Spartan junior is the only player to rank in the Top 15 in the Big Ten in scoring (12th), rebounding (13th) and assists (8th). He also ranks in the Top 15 in 3-point field-goal percentage (7th), 3-point field goals made (2nd), assist-to-turnover ratio (11th), and defensive rebounds (7th).
MSU Attacks The Offensive Glass
In Big Ten play, Michigan State averaged a Big Ten-best 11.7 offensive rebounds per contest. The Spartans grabbed 34.1 percent of their missed shots in conference games, ranking third in the Big Ten. MSU averaged 12.4 second-chance points in Big Ten play, outscoring opponents by +4.0 points per game.
Dawson's Defense
Branden Dawson is among the best defensive players in the conference, as his strength and athleticism give him the versatility to guard nearly any position on the floor. Consider what some of the best players in the Big Ten have done against Dawson: Maryland's Jake Layman (Dec. 30) (Avg. 15.8 ppg entering the game - 4 pts., 2-4 FG, 0-2 3FG), Indiana's Troy Williams (Jan. 5) (13.6 ppg - 0 pts., 0-2 FG, 1 reb.), Iowa's Aaron White (Jan. 8) (17.2 ppg - 8 pts., 2-4 FG, 1-1 3FG), Michigan's Zak Irvin (Feb. 1) (13.6 ppg - 11 pts., 5-14 FG, 1-6 3FG). He is the only player to rank in the Top 15 in the Big Ten in steals (10th, 1.3 spg), blocks (8th, 1.5 bpg) and defensive rebounds (2nd, 6.3 drpg). In conference games, he ranks 10th in steals (1.2 spg), second in blocks (2.1 bpg) and second in defensive rebounds (6.6 drpg).
A Hall Of Fame Coach
On Thursday, Feb. 12, Tom Izzo was formally inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. The rest of the class included recently retired New York Yankees great and Kalamazoo-raised Derek Jeter (not in attendance due to flight issues), Detroit Red Wings forward Sergei Fedorov, University of Michigan All-American and Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin, NHL All-Star and Westland native Mike Modano, Livonia's four-time Olympian, and gold-medal winning swimmer Sheila Taormina and Aleta Sill, from Dearborn, the nation's first female professional bowler to reach $1 million in winnings. Detroit Lions All-Pro defensive tackle Doug English was also named in a special selection by the Hall's Legends Council. Izzo is also a member of the Northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula and the National Italian-American Sports Halls of Fame.
Keeping The 3-Pointer In Perspective
Michigan State is shooting .390 from 3-point range this season, good for the fourth-best percentage of the Tom Izzo era. But on-target shooting does not equal an over-reliance on the outside shot. MSU has attempted 610 3-pointers in 1748 field-goal attempts, meaning 34.9 percent of its shots are from behind the arc. That percentage ranks as the second-highest percentage of the Izzo era, behind 2013-14 (36.3%). It's the sixth time in Izzo's 20 seasons that more than 30 percent of the shot attempts have been 3-pointers, joining the 2004-05 (32.8%), 2010-11 (32.7%), 2003-04 (31.2%) and 1999-2000 (31.1%) squads.
Balanced Scoring
Michigan State features a balanced scoring attack with three players averaging in double figures, and five averaging seven points or more. Six different Spartans have led the team in scoring in a single game, as eight different players have scored in double figures at least once. There have been six games in which five Spartans have reached double figures, two more times than all of last season. The Spartans are a perfect 10-0 when four or more players score in double-figures, and just 11-10 when three or fewer Spartans hit double-figures.
Dawson Attacks The Glass
Branden Dawson leads the Big Ten in rebounding at 9.3 boards per contest. In conference games, he averaged a Big Ten-best 9.8 rebounds, recording double-figure rebounds in 11 conference games. Twice this season, he's grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds - at Nebraska and at Notre Dame. The 18 rebounds are tied for the most by a Spartan since Goran Suton grabbed 20 vs. Oakland in 2007. Dawson's nine offensive rebounds against the Irish are tied for the third-best single-game effort in MSU history (since 1986-87). The 18 rebounds at Nebraska mark a personal best against a Big Ten opponent. Should Dawson continue to lead the Big Ten in rebounding, he'll be the first player 6-6 or shorter to do it since Wisconsin's Patrick Tompkins in 1991 (overall). He's already the first to do it in conference games since Minnesota's Richard Coffey in 1988.
Big Ten Players Of The Week
Branden Dawson and Travis Trice have each earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors this season. Trice was honored on Nov. 17 after scoring 25 points in the season opener at Navy. He was honored a second time on Jan. 12, after averaging 21.5 points and 7.0 assists vs. Iowa and Northwestern, including posting a double-double against the Wildcats. Dawson was honored on Feb. 2 after averaging 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.0 blocks on the road at Rutgers and at home against Michigan.
Spartans On Target From Deep
Michigan State is shooting .390 (238-610) from 3-point range this season, ranking second in the Big Ten and 26th in the nation. In conference play, MSU shot .368, ranking third. Individually, Bryn Forbes (.428) ranks fourth in the Big Ten, while Denzel Valentine (.420) ranks seventh.
All-Time Block Leaders
Branden Dawson is third in Michigan State history with 125 career blocks, nine behind Drew Naymick (134 blocks) in second place. Dawson ranks eighth in the Big Ten overall (1.5 bpg) and second in conference games (2.1 bpg). With three blocks against Penn State, Dawson joined Draymond Green and Adreian Payne as the only players in MSU history with 1,000 career points and 100 career blocks. Payne is the MSU career leader with 141 blocks. With 95 blocks, Matt Costello ranks eighth, one behind Ken Johnson (96 blocks) in seventh, and two behind Matt Steigenga (97 blocks) in sixth.
20-Win Seasons
With a win over Purdue, MSU recorded its 15th 20-win season in the last 18 years, all under head coach Tom Izzo. Of the 23 20-win seasons in Spartan history, Izzo has been involved in 20 of them, 15 as a head coach and five as an assistant.
Big Ten Success
Michigan State has captured at least a share of the Big Ten Championship or a Big Ten Tournament title in four of the last six seasons. After winning the title outright in 2009, the Spartans shared the conference crown in 2010 and 2012. In 2012, MSU also added a Big Ten Tournament title to its resume. Last season, MSU won the Big Ten Tournament after finishing tied for second in the regular season. During Tom Izzo's tenure, the Spartans have won seven regular-season titles and four tournament crowns.
Trice From Distance
Travis Trice is situated to end his career as one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in MSU history. Trice sits in sixth place in career 3-pointers (181), 21 behind Maurice Ager in fifth place. With 455 career 3-point attempts, Trice ranks sixth in MSU history, two behind Mateen Cleaves (457) in fifth.
A Thin Line Between Victory And Defeat
In seven of Michigan State's 10 defeats, the Spartans have either led or been within a possession in the final minute of the contest, with four of the losses coming in overtime (one in double overtime). Against Kansas, MSU trailed by just three points in the final minute with possession of the ball. At Notre Dame, MSU led by six with under eight minutes left, before falling by a single point in overtime. In an overtime upset loss to Texas Southern, MSU led by eight points with eight minutes to play, and by six with under four minutes to play. In the Big Ten opener, MSU led Maryland by five with under five minutes to play and by four with under two minutes left in overtime, before losing a two-point game in double overtime. At Nebraska, MSU rallied from a 17-point second-half deficit to pull within three points and then two points in the final minute. Against Illinois, MSU trailed by three points in the final minute, with four free throw attempts to take the lead, but could make just two, cutting the deficit to a single point. The Spartans then had possession of the basketball with a chance to take the lead but could not score. Against Minnesota, the Spartans led by six points in the final minute and couldn't close out the game, eventually falling in overtime.
Valentine's Continual Improvement
Always known for his versatility, Denzel Valentine has worked hard to become a terrific shooter. After shooting .281 (16-57) from 3-point range as a freshman and improving to .377 (43-114) as a sophomore, Valentine is one of the best shooters in the conference this season. He ranks second in the Big Ten in made 3-point field goals per game (2.6) and seventh in 3-point field-goal percentage (.420; 81-193).
Trice's Stellar Senior Campaign
Travis Trice ranks second in the Big Ten in assists (5.4 apg) and paces the conference, and ranks fifth in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.4), leading the Spartans in both categories. He is seventh in the conference in 3-point field goals made (2.2).
The 1,000-Point Club
Branden Dawson ranks 31st in MSU history with 1,206 points, needing seven points to pass Kirk Manns and Ken Redfield (1,212 points) and 27 to pass Adreian Payne (1,232 points). Bryn Forbes (1,185 points) has also eclipsed the 1,000-point career mark this season, although 905 of those came in his first two seasons at Cleveland State.
Long Range Firepower
Michigan State established a school single-season record in 2013-14 with 307 made 3-pointers, 54 more than the previous school record. The Spartans made 10 or more 3-pointers in 14 games, including a school single-game record 17 at Purdue, tying the Big Ten record for a conference game. This season, MSU is averaging 7.7 made 3-pointers per contest, ranking third in the Big Ten. Denzel Valentine leads MSU and ranks second in the Big Ten with 81 made 3-pointers (2.6 pg). The Spartans have made eight or more 3-pointers in 16 games, including eight games with 10 or more.
The Costello-Schilling Combination
Junior Matt Costello (7.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and sophomore Gavin Schilling (5.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg) have combined to give MSU a solid post presence. The two Spartans average a combined 12.9 points and 9.7 rebounds, shooting .602 (162-269) from the field.
Free Basketball
Michigan State is 2-4 in overtime games this season, as the six overtime games are the most the Spartans have ever played in a single season. Five of the overtime games have been played in East Lansing. MSU entered the season having won seven straight overtime games dating back to a loss to Minnesota in the 2010 Big Ten Tournament.
Costello Off The Bench
Matt Costello started the first six games of the season, averaging 6.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in 20.2 minutes, shooting .593 from the field. He's come off the bench in the last 25 games, averaging 7.6 points and 5.0 rebounds in 20.1 minutes, shooting .605 from the field. Costello has posted two double-doubles on the season.
Dawson's Injury And Illness
Branden Dawson suffered a stable, non-displaced fracture on his left wrist after taking a hard fall in the Dec. 17 contest vs. Eastern Michigan. He missed MSU's next two games vs. Texas Southern (Dec. 20) and The Citadel (Dec. 22). He returned to the lineup against Maryland (Dec. 30), totaling nine points and 11 rebounds, while wearing a brace. He had the brace removed prior to MSU's second game vs. Maryland (Jan. 17). Earlier this season, Dawson missed the game against Santa Clara (Nov. 24) with the flu, and came off the bench vs. Rider (Nov. 27) and Marquette (Nov. 28) while recovering from the same illness. In the home finale vs. Purdue (March 4), Dawson took an elbow to the face and was limited to just nine minutes against the Boilermakers, and missed the following game at Indiana (March 7).
Bess Out Of Action
Javon Bess missed the first 10 games of the season while recovering from a broken right foot. He made his debut against Eastern Michigan on Dec. 17. His development was further stunted by a pair of sprained ankles suffered since the return from the holiday break, limiting him to just 33 total minutes in the first four Big Ten games. He then started the next three games in Big Ten play, averaging 5.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per contest, while bringing some toughness to the Spartan lineup. But pain returned in the foot, forcing him to come off the bench in two games. He has not played since Feb. 1 and has been ruled out for the season.
Double-Double Trouble
Five different Spartans have posted a double-double this season as Branden Dawson (vs. Notre Dame-16 pts., 18 reb.; vs. Indiana-14 pts., 13 reb.; vs. Iowa-14 pts., 15 rebs.; vs. Maryland-14 pts., 10 reb.; vs. Penn State-12 pts., 10 reb.; vs. Rutgers-17 pts., 11 reb.; vs. Michigan-19 pts., 10 reb.; vs. Ohio State-15 pts., 11 reb.; vs. Michigan-23 pts., 13 reb.) leads MSU with nine. Matt Costello (vs. Loyola-13 pts., 11 reb.; vs. Texas Southern-17 pts., 10 reb.), Gavin Schilling (vs. Santa Clara-14 pts., 11 reb.; vs. Penn State-11 pts., 10 reb.), Denzel Valentine (vs. Santa Clara-13 pts., 11 reb.; vs. Nebraska-21 pts., 11 reb.) and Travis Trice (vs. Northwestern-18 pts., 11 ast.; vs. Minnesota-21 pts., 10 ast.) each have two. For his career, Dawson has 21 double-doubles, while Valentine has totaled six.
Finding Success Away From Home
Michigan State owns a Big Ten-best 39-24 (.619) mark in conference road games over the last six-plus seasons (since the start of 2008-09 Big Ten play). Wisconsin is 36-27 on the road, while Ohio State is 35-28. This past season, Wisconsin was a conference best 7-2 on the road, while MSU and Iowa were both 6-3.
Ranked Opponents
Michigan State is currently not ranked in either the USA Today Coaches Poll or the Associated Press Top 25. Six Spartan opponents are ranked in the Top 25: Duke (No. 2 AP/No. 2 USA Today), Wisconsin (6/5), Maryland (8/8), Kansas (10/9), and Notre Dame (11/9).
Playing The Best
Since the 1997-98 season, the year of Michigan State's first of 17 straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Spartans have played 192 games against ranked opponents. That total ranks first among teams that have appeared in a Final Four since then. The Spartans are followed by North Carolina (177), Texas (171), Duke (167), Kentucky (166), and Illinois (165). (Through games of March 10)
MSU's M.A.S.H. Unit
Michigan State has dealt with injury issues for much of the season. Freshman Javon Bess underwent surgery in late October on a broken bone in his right foot. After missing the first 10 games, he made his debut against Eastern Michigan. He played in the next 12 games but has since been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Sophomore Alvin Ellis III suffered a severe sprained right ankle after just three minutes against Navy and did not return to action until playing five minutes against Notre Dame. Junior Bryn Forbes did not miss any time, but he played with a brace on his left (non-shooting) hand while recovering from a broken bone for the first 10 games. Senior Branden Dawson missed MSU's game vs. Santa Clara with the flu, which also limited his minutes at the Orlando Classic. Against Eastern Michigan, he suffered a wrist injury that kept him out of action for two games. In the home finale vs. Purdue, Dawson took an elbow to the face and was limited to just nine minutes against the Boilermakers, and missed the following game at Indiana. In total, MSU has lost 29 games due to illness and injury for its rotation players.
Wollenman Honored For Academics
Colby Wollenman has been named to the Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District 5 First Team. The forward from Big Horn, Wyoming, owns a 3.98 overall GPA as a physiology (pre-med) major. First-team Academic All-District honorees advance to the Capital One Academic All-America Team ballot, where first-, second- and third-team All-America honorees will be selected later this month. He is joined on the All-District 5 First Team by Butler's Alex Barlow, Western Michigan's Austin Richie, Valparaiso's Alec Peters, and Xavier's Matthew Stainbrook.
Prep Teammates
Michigan State's roster features three pairs of high school teammates. Junior Denzel Valentine has been reunited with high school classmate Bryn Forbes, who spent his first two seasons at Cleveland State. The duo teamed to appear in three-straight Michigan Class B title games from 2010-2012, capturing the state championship in 2011 and 2012. Forbes transferred to MSU this past June, and later received a waiver from the NCAA allowing him to play this season. Freshmen Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Jr. and Marvin Clark Jr. both attended Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas. They were teammates during the 2012-13 season, posting a 29-1 record, with Clark as a senior and Nairn as a junior. Clark then did a year of prep school at Sunrise Christian last season, while Nairn finished his high school career. Sophomores Alvin Ellis III and Gavin Schilling were teammates at Chicago De La Salle as juniors in 2011-12. Ellis graduated from De La Salle, while Schilling spent his final season at Findlay Prep in Nevada. In addition, although Branden Dawson (Indiana) and Travis Trice (Ohio) attended high school in different states, they were AAU teammates for SYF Players over the summer.
Spartans In The NBA
Michigan State leads all Big Ten schools with eight players appearing on NBA rosters this season. Gary Harris (Denver) and Adreian Payne (Minnesota) are in their rookie seasons after being selected in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft. They join former Spartans Alan Anderson (Brooklyn), Shannon Brown (Miami), Draymond Green (Golden State), Zach Randolph (Memphis) and Jason Richardson (Philadelphia) in the NBA. Kalin Lucas (Memphis) signed a free-agent contract in November and appeared in his first career game on Nov. 19.
Spartans Sign Strong Recruiting Class
Michigan State signed three talented players to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Kyle Ahrens (G, 6-5, 195) led Versailles (Ohio) High School to the Ohio Division III state title game as a sophomore. He was averaging 22 points, seven rebounds as four assists as a junior before suffering a season-ending leg injury in the sixth game of the season. Deyonta Davis (F/C, 6-10, 215) is a five-star big man who averaged 15.0 points, 13.6 rebounds and 7.1 blocks as a junior at Muskegon High School, leading his team to a perfect 28-0 mark and a Michigan Class A state championship. He established a Michigan state high school single-season record with 199 blocks in 2013-14. Matt McQuaid (G, 6-5, 180) averaged 14.7 points and 5.7 rebounds as a junior at Duncanville (Texas) High School. He exploded during the off season, averaging 15.6 points in the 2014 Nike EYBL circuit, shooting 45.1 percent from 3-point range. ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman called him "arguably the best pure shooter in the country."
The Book On Tom Izzo
Coach Izzo
In his 20th year, Tom Izzo (Northern Michigan, '77) is 489-197 (.713), and 233-107 (.685) 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 19 full 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 .685 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 (.717), former Indiana coach Bob Knight (.700) and Ohio State's Thad Matta (.688) and ahead of former Purdue coach Ward Lambert (.685). In all games, Matta ranks first at .763, followed by Ryan (.738), Knight (.734), Izzo (.713), Wisconsin's Walter Meanwell (.712), and Lambert (.709). With 233 conference victories, Izzo ranks third all-time.
Izzo Among Best Ever
Through his first 19 seasons, Tom Izzo won 468 games, ranking fourth in college basketball history for most wins by a college coach in his first 18 years.
Izzo's Coaching Tree
Three current Division I head coaches all served as assistants to Tom Izzo, including Tom Crean (Indiana), Brian Gregory (Georgia Tech), and Mark Montgomery (Northern Illinois). 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. Doug Wojcik spent nine seasons between Tulsa and College of Charleston.
