Michigan State Opens NCAA Tournament Vs. Georgia On Friday
3/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
| No. 7 Michigan State (23-11, 12-6) vs. No. 10 Georgia (21-11, 11-7) | |
| Date | Friday, March 20, 2015 |
| Time | 12:40 p.m. ET |
| Location | Charlotte, N.C. | Time Warner Cable Arena |
| Television | TruTV (Jim Nantz, Grant Hill, Bill Raftery, Tracy Wolfson) |
| Radio | Spartan Sports Network (Will Tieman, Gus Ganakas, Matt Steigenga) |
| Game Notes | Michigan State | Georgia |
| Statistics | Michigan State | Georgia |
| Live Stats | |
| Social Media | @MSU_Basketball  | Facebook  | Instagram |
| Full Coverage | 2015 NCAA Tournament Central |
THE OPENING TIP
Michigan State makes its 18th-straight NCAA Tournament appearance as the No. 7 seed in the East Region. The Spartans open play against No. 10 Georgia in the first-ever meeting between MSU and UGA. The winner will move on to face the Virginia/Belmont winner on Sunday.
THE STARTING FIVE
1. MSU's NCAA Streak
Michigan State is making its 18th straight NCAA Tournament appearance in 2015. It is the longest current streak among Big Ten schools and third longest in the nation. Only Kansas (26) and Duke (20) have longer current streaks. In fact, it is tied with Indiana (1986-2003) for the fourth-longest of all-time, and the longest in Big Ten history. North Carolina has the longest streak of all-time with 27 consecutive NCAA Tournaments between 1975-2001.
2. MSU In The NCAA Tournament
Michigan State is making its 29th appearance in the NCAA Tournament with a record of 59-27 (.686) in its previous 28 tournaments. 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.
3. At His Best When It Counts
Tom Izzo ranks seventh among active coaches for the best NCAA Tournament winning percentage at .724 (42-16). Duke's Mike Krzyzewski ranks first at .759 (82-26), followed by Louisville's Rick Pitino (.746, 50-17), Florida's Billy Donovan (.745, 35-12), North Carolina's Roy Williams (.741, 63-22), Kentucky's John Calipari (.739, 34-12), and SMU's Larry Brown (.737, 14-5). Of those seven, Izzo and Krzyzewski are the only coaches to appear in the last 18 NCAA Tournaments. In NCAA Tournament wins, Izzo (42) ranks fifth among active coaches, trailing just Krzyzewski (82), Williams (63), Syracuse's Jim Boeheim (53) and Louisville's Rick Pitino (50).
4. Izzo's NCAA Streak
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is making his 18th straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. It's the second-longest active streak in the nation, trailing only Mike Krzyzewski, who is making his 20th straight trip this season. The 18-year streak is the longest in Big Ten history by a head coach (15, Bobby Knight, Indiana, 1986-2000), and the fourth-longest in NCAA history. Only Dean Smith (North Carolina, 23-1975-97), Roy Williams (Kansas/North Carolina, 20-1990-2009) and Krzyzewski have longer streaks.
5. MSU In Opening Games
In its 28 NCAA Tournaments, Michigan State has a record of 22-6 in its first game of the tournament. Since the field expanded in 1985, the Spartans are 18-6 in the round of 64. Tom Izzo is 13-4 in the round of 64. (Note: The round of 64, which used to be the first round, is now the second round.)
MSU VS. GEORGIA NOTES
About Georgia
Georgia enters the NCAA Tournament with a 21-11 overall mark after falling in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament to Arkansas, 60-49. Senior forward Marcus Thornton, a second-team All-SEC selection, leads the team in points (12.3 ppg.) and rebounds (7.2 rpg). Thornton also earned all-defensive team honors, standing sixth in the SEC in rebounding. The injury-plagued Bulldogs advanced to their 12th NCAA Tournament, last making the tournament in 2011.
Georgia vs. The Field of 68
The Bulldogs are 2-6 against teams in this year's NCAA Tournament field of 68. Georgia went 0-1 against non-conference teams in the field with a loss to Gonzaga (88-76). In SEC play, the Bulldogs were 2-5 against teams that made the NCAA Tournament. Against overall No. 1 seed Kentucky, Georgia fell to the Wildcats in Lexington (69-58) and lost in Athens (72-64). The Bulldogs fell to Arkansas in the SEC Tournament (60-49) and lost at home (79-75). The Bulldogs also fell to LSU in double overtime in Baton Rouge (87-84). Georgia earned its only wins against the NCAA Tournament field against Ole Miss, winning in Athens (69-64) and in Oxford (76-72).
Common Opponents
Michigan State and Georgia have only one common opponent this season. Both teams played Minnesota once this season. MSU lost its only matchup to the Gophers in overtime at the Breslin Center on Feb. 26 (96-90, OT), while the Bulldogs fell to Minnesota in New York City on Nov. 28 (66-62).
Series History
This is the first-ever meeting between Michigan State and Georgia. The Spartans are 8-1 against current members of the SEC in the NCAA Tournament, including 6-0 under Tom Izzo.
Coach Fox
Mark Fox (Eastern New Mexico, 1991) is 106-88 (.546) in his sixth season at the helm of Georgia. This is the second time that Fox has led the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament and the first time since 2011. Fox was the head coach at Nevada for five seasons, prior to Georgia. He led the Wolf Pack to the NCAA Tournament three-straight seasons from 2005-2007, earning Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year during those three seasons. Overall as a head coach, Fox holds a record of 229-131 in 11 seasons. Fox also served as associate head coach at Nevada from 2000-04 prior to becoming the head coach. He was also an assistant coach at Kansas State (1994-2000) and Washington (1991-93).
Bulldog Notes
Georgia averages 25 free throw attempts per game ... Marcus Thornton has 654 career rebounds, ranking tied for first among active SEC players ... The Bulldogs rank second in the SEC in field-goal percentage defense, and third in 3-point field-goal percentage defense ... Only three Bulldogs average one made 3-pointer per game.
NCAA TOURNAMENT NOTES
Spartan Opponents In NCAA Tournament
Ten Michigan State opponents are in the field of 68 for the 2015 NCAA Tournament, including Big Ten foes Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin, and non-conference opponents Duke, Kansas, Notre Dame, and Texas Southern. The Spartans are a combined 7-8 against the 10 teams, playing 15 of their 34 games against tournament teams. Five of those 10 opponents earned a Top 4 seed.
Big Ten Conference In The NCAA Tournament
The Big Ten Conference has seven of its 14 schools in the 2015 NCAA Tournament. Joining the Spartans are No. 1 Wisconsin, No. 4 Maryland, No. 7 Iowa, No. 9 Purdue, No. 10 Indiana, and No. 10 Ohio State.
Exclusive Company
Michigan State ranks seventh among all schools in NCAA Tournament winning percentage for teams with at least 20 tournament games. MSU's .686 winning percentage (59-27) trails only Duke (.744, 99-34), UCLA (.724, 97-37), Florida (.722, 39-15), North Carolina (.719, 110-43), Kentucky (.712, 116-47), and Kansas (.696, 96-42). MSU's 59 tournament wins rank ninth in NCAA history and second among Big Ten schools, behind Indiana (64).
MSU In The Round Of 32
Since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, Michigan State has advanced to the round of 32 (new third round) 18 times. MSU has a 14-4 record in round of 32 games since 1985, including winning 12 of its last 13.
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 19-4 in the second game of an NCAA Tournament weekend. All four losses have all come to No. 1 seeds or eventual National Champions.
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), Connecticut (4), Duke (4), Kansas (3) and Louisville (3) have won more titles.
MSU BIG TEN TOURNAMENT NOTES
* Michigan State advanced to its fifth Big Ten Tournament championship game, including its third in the last four seasons.
* Branden Dawson and Travis Trice were named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team.
* Branden Dawson led MSU in scoring (15.7 ppg) and rebounding (7.7 rpg).
* Travis Trice averaged 14.7 points in three games.
* Denzel Valentine averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and a team-best 6.7 assists.
* MSU shot .476 from the field, but just .340 from 3-point range, while holding opponents to .425 from the floor, although opponents did shoot .431 from behind the 3-point arc.
* Freshman starting point guard Tum Tum Nairn Jr. had one turnover in 81 minutes of action.
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, 18 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 491 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 491, trailing only Knight (661 wins) and Keady (512).
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.
Spartan Defense
On the season, MSU is limiting teams to 63.4 points on .400 FG%, including .323 from 3-point range. The Spartans rank third in the Big Ten in 3-point FG pct. defense and field-goal percentage defense, while ranking seventh 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.
Taking Care Of The Ball
Michigan State is averaging 11.62 turnovers per game. That ranks as the second-lowest average of the Tom Izzo era, as last year's squad averaged 11.58 per game. In conference games, MSU averaged just 11.0 per contest. MSU is averaging just 9.6 turnovers over the last nine games, including five games with eight or fewer.
Freshman Starting Point Guards
Tum Tum Nairn Jr. will start at point guard for Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament, joining a select group of Spartans. Drew Neitzel (2005) and Kalin Lucas (2008) are the only other freshman point guards to start for Tom Izzo in the NCAA Tournament. The only other freshman to start at the point for the Spartans in the NCAA Tournament is Magic Johnson (1978).
Dawson In The Postseason
Over the last two years, Branden Dawson has excelled in the postseason. He has scored in double figures in nine of 10 Big Ten and NCAA Tournament games in 2014 and 2015. Over the 10 games, he's averaging 15.7 points and 8.0 rebounds, while shooting .638 (67-105) from the field. Last year, he averaged 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in four NCAA Tournament games. For his career, he's averaging 11.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in seven NCAA Tournament games.
Surging Spartans
Despite a tough loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game, the Spartans enter the NCAA Tournament on a high note. MSU has won eight of its last 11 games, with just three of the games being played at home. The Spartans have won four of their last five games against five teams that each made the 2015 NCAA Tournament. MSU is one of just four schools in the nation (Iowa State, Xavier, North Carolina) to play three NCAA Tournament teams during its conference tournament.
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 11 games, Trice is averaging a team-best 17.6 points and 4.5 assists, including shooting .382 from 3-point range. In the last nine games, he's averaging 18.8 points and 4.6 assists. Before the regular-season game at Wisconsin, 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.
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 .418 (41-98) over the last 13 games, hitting four or more 3-pointers in seven of the last 13 games, including five vs. Ohio State and seven vs. Minnesota.
MSU In March
Michigan State is 84-35 (.706) in March since the 1998-99 season. For his career, Tom Izzo is 91-42 (.684) in March. Over the last six-plus years (2009-present), MSU is 38-15 (.717) in what Coach Izzo calls his favorite month of the year.
Spartans Share The Ball
MSU is averaging 17.1 assists per game, leading the Big Ten and ranking fourth in the nation, recording an assist on 64.2 percent of its baskets. The 17.1 average is the third-best of the Izzo era, trailing only 2000-01 (17.5) and 2007-08 (17.5). In 15 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 +6.8 rebounding margin, having out-rebounded 27 of 34 opponents, ranking 18th in the nation. In the Tom Izzo era, MSU has out-rebounded 532 of 689 opponents (.772), posting a 420-112 (.789) 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 858 career boards, he stands in eighth place in MSU history, 29 behind Goran Suton (887 rebounds) in seventh place.
Valentine Deadly From Behind The Arc
With 89 made 3-pointers, Denzel Valentine ranks sixth on the MSU single-season chart, standing three behind Shawn Respert (92, 1993-94), six behind Chris Hill (95, 2002-03), and eight behind Drew Neitzel (97, 2007-08). Valentine has attempted 213 3-pointers, ranking seventh on the single-season list, eight behind Maurice Ager (221, 2005-06), and 17 behind Gary Harris (230, 2013-14).
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 108-37 mark, advanced to four 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 reached 1,000 career points during the Big Ten Tournament. Wetzel has appeared in 46 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 12 games this season, including the last 11. In his starts, Nairn is averaging 3.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 26.2 minutes per contest. MSU is 9-3 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 (129), eighth in steals (158), and eighth in rebounds (858).
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.
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 (6th). He also ranks in the Top 15 in 3-point field-goal percentage (5th), 3-point field goals made (2nd), assist-to-turnover ratio (8th), and defensive rebounds (6th).
Dawson's Defense
Branden Dawson was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team, 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 one of two players to rank in the Top 15 in the Big Ten in steals (13th, 1.2 spg), blocks (9th, 1.5 bpg) and defensive rebounds (2nd, 6.1 drpg). In conference games, he ranked 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 .386 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 663 3-pointers in 1,912 field-goal attempts, meaning 34.7 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 13-11 when three or fewer Spartans hit double-figures.
Dawson Attacks The Glass
Branden Dawson leads the Big Ten in rebounding at 9.1 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.
Spartans On Target From Deep
Michigan State is shooting .386 (256-663) from 3-point range this season, ranking second in the Big Ten and 30th in the nation. In conference play, MSU shot .368, ranking third. Individually, Bryn Forbes (.424) ranks fourth in the Big Ten, while Denzel Valentine (.418) ranks fifth.
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.
All-Time Block Leaders
Branden Dawson is third in Michigan State history with 129 career blocks, five behind Drew Naymick (134 blocks) in second place. Dawson ranks ninth 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 100 blocks, Matt Costello ranks sixth, six behind Delvon Roe (106 blocks) in fifth.
20-Win Seasons
With a win over Purdue on March 4, 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.
Trice From Distance
Travis Trice is positioned 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 (187), 15 behind Maurice Ager (202) in fifth place. With 473 career 3-point attempts, Trice ranks fifth in MSU history, 59 behind Ager (532) in fourth.
A Thin Line Between Victory And Defeat
In eight of Michigan State's 11 defeats, the Spartans have either led or been within a possession in the final minute of the contest, with five 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. In the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game, MSU led Wisconsin by 11 points with 7:45 left and by two points in the final 20 seconds before 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 fifth in 3-point field-goal percentage (.418; 89-213).
Trice's Stellar Senior Campaign
Travis Trice ranks second in the Big Ten in assists (5.2 apg) and paces the conference, and ranks 14th in the nation, in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.0), 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 27th in MSU history with 1,253 points, needing 23 points to pass Quinton Brooks (1,275 points) and 44 to pass Matt Steigenga (1,296 points). Travis Trice scored his 1,000th-career point vs. Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament. With 1,040 career points, he ranks 45th in MSU history, 14 points behind Marcus Sanders (1,054 points), 19 behind Magic Johnson (1,059 points), and 22 behind Johnny Green (1,062 points). Bryn Forbes (1,199 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 is averaging 7.5 made 3-pointers per contest, ranking third in the Big Ten. Denzel Valentine leads MSU and ranks second in the Big Ten with 89 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, 5.3 rpg) and sophomore Gavin Schilling (5.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg) have combined to give MSU a solid post presence. The two Spartans average a combined 12.7 points and 9.4 rebounds, shooting .593 (178-300) from the field.
Free Basketball
Michigan State is 2-5 in overtime games this season, as the seven 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. The Spartans are tied with Charlotte for the most overtime games (7), and are the only team in the nation with five overtime losses. 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 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 20.4 minutes, shooting .610 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 ranked No. 22 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and No. 23 the Associated Press Top 25. Five Spartan opponents are ranked in the Top 25: Wisconsin (No. 3 AP/No. 3 USA Today), Wisconsin (4/5), Notre Dame (8/8), Kansas (10/11), and Maryland (12/12).
Playing The Best
Since the 1997-98 season, the year of Michigan State's first of 18 straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Spartans have played 194 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 (180), Texas (172), Duke (168), and Kentucky (167). (Through games of March 15)
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 32 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. 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."
MSU VS. VIRGINIA NOTES
About Virginia
The Cavaliers won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title for the second-straight year, with a 16-2 conference record. Virginia enters the NCAA Tournament with a 29-3 overall mark after falling in the ACC Tournament semifinals to North Carolina. Junior guard Malcolm Brogdon was named ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, leading Virginia in scoring (13.9 ppg.) and free throws made (108; .871 FT%). Junior guard Mike Tobey was named ACC Sixth Man of the Year.
Virginia vs. The Field of 68
The Cavaliers are 9-3 against teams in this year's NCAA Tournament. Virginia went 4-0 against non-conference teams in the field, including wins over Maryland, VCU, Harvard and Davidson. Against ACC schools, the Cavaliers swept North Carolina State and Notre Dame, split with Louisville and North Carolina. Virginia lost the only meeting with Duke.
Common Opponents
Michigan State and Virginia both played Rutgers, Maryland, Notre Dame and Duke this season. MSU lost its only matchup to Duke in Indianapolis on Nov. 18 (81-71), while the Cavaliers also fell to Duke at home on Jan. 31 (69-63). MSU lost its only game at Notre Dame on Dec. 3 (79-78 OT), while the Cavaliers defeated Notre Dame on the road on Jan. 10 (62-56). MSU won the only meeting of the year against Rutgers in New Jersey on Jan. 29 (71-51), while the Cavaliers won in Brooklyn on Nov. 29 (45-26). MSU won one of three meetings against Maryland this year. Virginia won at Maryland on Dec. 3 (76-65).
Series History
The Spartans own a 4-0 all-time record over Virginia. The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 61-59 win for MSU in the 2014 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 at Madison Square Garden. 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, Virginia, but the game was called due to unplayable wet floor conditions.
Coach Bennett
Tony Bennett (Green Bay, 1992), is 204-96 in nine seasons as a collegiate head coach, including 135-63 in his sixth season at Virginia. Bennett led Virginia to its fourth-straight 20-win season. This marks Bennett's fifth appearance in the NCAA Tournament, as he owns a 7-4 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 leads the nation in scoring defense (50.7 ppg), while also ranking in the Top 10 nationally in field-goal percentage defense (3rd, .361), turnovers per game (5th, 9.5), fouls per game (7th, 14.3), rebound margin (9th, +7.8), and scoring margin (9th, 14.7).
MSU VS. BELMONT NOTES
About Belmont
The Bruins won their second Ohio Valley Conference Championship in their three years in the league with an 88-87 upset victory over top-seeded and 25th-ranked Murray State in the OVC title game. OVC Tournament MVP Taylor Barnette hit a 3-pointer with 3.2 seconds remaining in the game to lift the Bruins past the Racers. Belmont is riding a seven-game winning streak and has won 12 of its last 15 games; it went 11-5 in conference action and tied for first place in the OVC East Division with Eastern Kentucky. The Bruins have won 20-plus games the past five seasons. Junior guard Craig Bradshaw, a first-team All-Ohio Valley honoree and All-OVC Tournament Team selection, leads the team in scoring (18.1 ppg.) and 3-point shooting (.416). Sophomore forward Evan Bradds, who was named second-team All-OVC, leads the NCAA in field-goal percentage (.693) and ranks second on the team in scoring (14.3 ppg.) and first in rebounding (7.2 rpg.).
Belmont vs. The Field of 68
The Bruins were 0-2 against teams in this year's NCAA Tournament. Belmont lost at VCU on Dec. 16 (78-51) and at Butler on Dec. 28 (67-56).
Common Opponents
Michigan State and Belmont did not play any common opponents in the regular season.
Series History
Michigan State defeated Belmont, 67-58, on Dec. 19, 2006, in the Breslin Center in the only previous matchup between the two schools.
Coach Byrd
Rick Byrd (Tennessee, 1976) is 619-311 in his 29th season as head coach at Belmont. Overall, he owns a 711-366 (.660) record and ranks seventh among all active NCAA Division I head coaches in career wins. Byrd is making his seventh appearance in the NCAA Tournament, all with Belmont, and has led the Bruins to postseason play in 10 of the last 12 seasons. He became the 25th coach in NCAA Division I history to reach the 700-win plateau with a victory at Austin Peay on Jan. 17, 2015. A 2013 inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Byrd has been named District or Conference Coach of the Year on 12 occasions. In 2012, he received the NCAA Bob Frederick Award for his lifelong commitment to sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.
Bruin Notes
Belmont is making its seventh NCAA Tournament appearance in the last 10 years. In addition to winning two of the last three Ohio Valley Conference titles, Belmont received an automatic bid five times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012) for winning the Atlantic Sun Conference. Belmont and Gonzaga are the only two teams in NCAA Division I in earn seven automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament in the last 10 years ... The Bruins are 0-6 all-time in their six previous NCAA Tournament appearances, but nearly upset second-seeded Duke in 2008 as a No. 15 seed before falling to the Blue Devils, 71-70 ... The Bruins rank among the NCAA Top 30 leaders in 3-point field goals per game (4th, 10.0), assists (26th, 15.4 apg) and scoring (30th, 74.5 ppg) ... Belmont has ranked in the NCAA Top 30 nationally in scoring each of the last five seasons ... The Bruins are third in NCAA Division I with 14 conference championships since 2006 (seven regular season, seven tournament); only Gonzaga and Kansas have won more with 16 apiece ... Last season, the Bruins won the OVC regular-season title, defeated North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and reached the quarterfinals of the NIT ... Belmont joined the NCAA for the 1996-97 season after previously competing in the NAIA.
The Book On Tom Izzo
Coach Izzo
In his 20th year, Tom Izzo (Northern Michigan, '77) is 491-198 (.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 .762, followed by Ryan (.739), 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.
