Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State Travels To Big Ten Tournament
3/10/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
| #2/3 Michigan State (26-5, 13-5) vs. Ohio State/Penn State | |
| Date | Friday, March 11, 2016 |
| Time | 6:30 p.m. ET |
| Location | Indianapolis, Ind. | Bankers Life Fieldhouse |
| Television | BTN (Dave Revsine, Bill Raftery, Mike Hall) |
| Radio | Spartan Sports Network (Will Tieman, Gus Ganakas, Matt Steigenga) | Sirius 84/XM 84 |
| Game Notes | Michigan State |
| Statistics | Michigan State |
| Social Media | @MSU_Basketball  | Facebook  | Instagram |
The Opening Tip
Michigan State enters the 2016 Big Ten Tournament as the No. 2 seed, having won 10 of its last 11 games. The Spartans will play in the quarterfinals against the winner of Thursday's contest between No. 7 Ohio State and No. 10 Penn State. MSU has won the last two tournaments played in Indianapolis.
The Starting Five
1. Valentine's Historic Season
Denzel Valentine is having a historically great season. According to ESPN Research, Valentine is on pace to become the first player to average 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists since the NCAA first started keeping assists as an official stat in 1983-84. Even at the NBA level where games are 48 minutes instead of 40, there have been just 10 players in league history to post those numbers in a season (Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, John Havlicek, Grant Hill, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Fat Lever, Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook).
2. MSU In The Big Ten Tournament
The Spartans are looking to capture their fifth Big Ten Tournament championship, as they and the Ohio State Buckeyes lead the Big Ten with four tournament titles. In 18 previous years of the Big Ten Tournament, MSU has a record of 24-14. 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, and dropped the 2015 title game in overtime. The Spartans are 13-7 when the tournament is held in Indianapolis. The Spartans are 12-6 in the quarterfinals, including 7-2 in Indianapolis. MSU has won its last five quarterfinals games.
3. MSU As A No. 2 Seed
This is the third time Michigan State has been the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, and the first time since 2005. In 2000, MSU captured its second-straight Big Ten Tournament Championship as the No. 2 seed. One year later, the second-seeded Spartans lost in the quarterfinals. The Spartans also lost in the 2005 quarterfinals as the No. 2 seed. In all three previous seasons, MSU would advance to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
4. All-Big Ten Spartans
Denzel Valentine was named Big Ten Player of the Year when the All-Big Ten teams were announced on March 7. He is the eighth Spartan to earn Player of the Year honors and the first since Draymond Green in 2012. A unanimous first-team selection, Valentine was joined on the all-conference teams by Bryn Forbes (second team) and Matt Costello (second team-media; third team-coaches). Colby Wollenman was the MSU recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
5. MSU In March
Michigan State is 90-35 (.720) in March since the 1998-99 season. For his career, Tom Izzo is 97-42 (.698) in March. Over the last seven-plus years (2009-present), MSU is 44-15 (.746) in what Coach Izzo calls his favorite month of the year.
MSU vs. Ohio State Notes
Series History
Michigan State leads the all-time series with Ohio State, 71-57. The Spartans have won 31 of the last 45 games in the series. Tom Izzo is 26-14 in his career against the Buckeyes. Twelve of the last 14 games in the series have each been decided by 10 points or less. Seven of the last 11 games have been decided by four points or less.
Spartans Vs. Buckeyes In Big Ten Tournament
Michigan State is 3-3 against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament, including 2-0 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. Last season, No. 3 MSU defeated No. 6 OSU, 76-67, in the quarterfinals, behind 23 points, eight rebounds and seven assists from Denzel Valentine.
The Season Series
The Spartans swept the season series with the Buckeyes as both contests came in the final two weeks of the season. On Feb. 23, Michigan State claimed an 81-62 victory in Columbus behind 27 points from Bryn Forbes, as he hit 7-of-10 from 3-point range, including 6-of-8 in the second half as part of a 20-point half. As a team, the Spartans connected on 14-of-22 from behind the arc. In the regular-season finale in East Lansing, Denzel Valentine turned in a dominating 27-point, 13-assist performance in a 91-76 Senior Day victory on March 5. Michigan State's 66.7 percent shooting effort was a season high for a Big Ten team in a conference game. In two games against the Buckeyes, Valentine averaged 22.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 10.5 assists, shooting .577 from the field and .692 (9-13) from 3-point range. Forbes averaged 20.5 points while shooting .500 (8-16) from behind the arc. Matt Costello nearly averaged a double-double at 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. MSU shot a combined .602 from the field, including .579 from 3-point range. OSU shot .438 from the field and .432 from 3-point range. Marc Loving averaged 20.0 points for the Buckeyes, scoring 19 points in Columbus and 21 in East Lansing.
MSU vs. Penn State Notes
Series History
Michigan State leads the all-time series with Penn State, 36-7. The Spartans have won 20 of the last 24 games in the series, including the last seven. Tom Izzo is 29-6 in his career against Penn State.
Spartans Vs. Nittany Lions In Big Ten Tournament
Michigan State is 0-2 against Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament. No. 7 Penn State upset No. 2 Michigan State, 65-63, in 2001. In 2011, No. 6 PSU defeated No. 7 MSU, 61-48, in the semifinals.
The Season Series
Michigan State swept the season series with Penn State with the two meetings coming seven weeks apart. The Spartans claimed a 92-65 victory in University Park on Jan. 10. Bryn Forbes scored 20 points, all of which came in the first half, knocking down six 3-pointers. Denzel Valentine returned to action after missing four games following minor knee surgery, tallying 10 points, five rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes. MSU shot 50 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc, while PSU shot 41.2 percent, including just 21.4 percent from behind the arc. On Feb. 28, the Spartans defeated the Nittany Lions, 88-57, in East Lansing. Valentine led MSU with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Shep Garner led all scorers with 22 points for PSU, averaging 20.5 points over the two contests.
Spartan Basketball Notes
Denzel Valentine â€" America's Most Versatile Player
Denzel Valentine made an early statement with his triple-double vs. Kansas in the Champions Classic. Tallying a career-high 29 points, a career-high 12 assists and 12 rebounds, he became just the fourth player in MSU history to record a triple-double. Nine days later, he recorded a second triple-double against Boston College (29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists), and followed the next day with a career-high 32 points vs. Boise State.
Valentine leads the Big Ten in assists (7.5 apg) and scoring (19.6 ppg), while ranking seventh in rebounding (7.5 rpg). He is the only player to rank in the Top 10 in the Big Ten in all three categories. Valentine also ranks first in defensive rebounds (6.7 drpg), tied for first in 3-point field goals made (3.4 pg), fourth in FT percentage (.841), fifth in 3-point field-goal percentage (.454), and tied for third in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.8). Nationally, Valentine ranks fourth in assists, sixth in 3-point field goals made and 10th in 3FG%.
Valentine's numbers are arguably the best in recent college basketball history. Since assists became an official NCAA stat in 1983-84, no player has averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for a season.
For his career, Valentine has totaled 16 double-doubles, including the two triple-doubles.
Izzo Named Hall Of Fame Finalist
On Feb. 12, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced 14 finalists from the North American and Women's committees, including MSU head coach Tom Izzo. Other first-time finalists include 27-year NBA referee Darell Garretson, 11-time NBA All-Star Allen Iverson, the first African American coach in a professional league John McLendon, three-time NBA Finals MVP Shaquille O'Neal, four-time WNBA Champion Sheryl Swoopes and 10-time AAU National Champions Wayland Baptist University. Previous finalists included again this year for consideration are the only coach in NCAA history to win 100 games at four different schools Charles "Lefty" Driesell, the all-time winningest high school coach Leta Andrews, the all-time winningest boys high school coach Robert Hughes, three-time NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson, three-time Consensus National College Coach of the Year Muffet McGraw, four-time Division III national champion coach Bo Ryan and four-time National Coach of the Year Eddie Sutton. The Class of 2016 will be announced on Monday, April 4 at a press conference in Houston, prior to the NCAA Men's Championship Game.
National Player Of The Year
Denzel Valentine has been named National Player of the Year by USA TODAY Sports and NBCSports.com, becoming just the fourth Spartan to earn a National Player of the Year honor, joining Scott Skiles (1986-Basketball Times), Shawn Respert (1995-Sporting News & NABC) and Draymond Green (2012-NABC). Valentine has also been named First-Team All-America by USA TODAY Sports and the Sporting News. He becomes the seventh player to earn any type of All-America honors under head coach Tom Izzo, joining Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson, Charlie Bell, Jason Richardson, Drew Neitzel and Green, and the 23rd honoree in program history. In addition, Valentine was named U.S. Basketball Writers Association District V Player of the Year, and was joined on the all-district team by fellow Spartan senior Bryn Forbes.
Defensive Effort
Michigan State has proven to be a strong defensive team in 2015-16. The Spartans rank in the Top 25 nationally in scoring defense (20th, 63.8), field-goal percentage defense (2nd, .377), 3-point field-goal percentage defense (17th, .306) and blocked shots (25th, 5.2 bpg). Just 13 teams have shot better than 40 percent from the field and just 12 have bettered 35 percent behind the 3-point arc.
Spartans Playing Well
In late January, Michigan State snapped a three-game losing streak with a 74-65 win over No. 7 Maryland. Beginning that night, the Spartans have won 10 of their last 11 games, with the only loss being a one-point overtime loss (81-82) at No. 18 Purdue. Over the 11 games, MSU is shooting .496 from the field, .500 from 3-point range and .736 from the foul line, with a scoring margin of +19.6. Not surprisingly, MSU is playing well because Denzel Valentine has taken his game to another level, averaging 21.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists in the last 11 contests. Bryn Forbes is averaging 18.9 points, including shooting .568 (50-88) from behind the arc during the stretch.
3-Point Attack On Record Pace
Michigan State has made 286 3-pointers this season, averaging 9.2 per contest. Should the Spartans maintain their current pace they will shatter the current record of 8.1 3-pointers per game established in 2013-14. The 286 3-pointers already rank as the third-highest single-season total in school history, trailing only 2014-15 (294) and 2013-14 (307).
Dominating NCAA Stats
It's not surprising given their 26-5 record, but the Spartans are dominating the NCAA statistics (through games of March 8), ranking in the Top 10 nationally in 10 categories, including total assists (1st, 652), assists per game (1st, 21.0), rebound margin (1st, +11.9), 3-point field-goal percentage (1st, .439), defensive rebounds per game (1st, 29.74), scoring margin (1st, +16.9), field-goal percentage defense (2nd, .377), assist-to-turnover ratio (2nd, 1.76), total rebounds per game (6th, 42.1) and won-lost percentage (7th, .839).
Senior Leadership
Michigan State is the only Big Ten team to be led in scoring by three seniors as Denzel Valentine, Bryn Forbes and Matt Costello average a combined 45.2 points. Valentine and Costello are looking to make history by becoming the winningest senior class in Michigan State history, currently owning 109 victories over the last four years. The 2001 senior class ranks first with 115 wins, while the 2002 class and last year's 2015 class rank second with 112 victories. This year's class is tied with the class of 2010 for the fourth-winningest class.
Forbes For Three
Senior Bryn Forbes leads the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage, shooting .505 (104-of-206). For his career, he's made 316-of-718 attempts from behind the arc, good for a .440 shooting percentage. He's made a 3-pointer in 120 of 134 career games, including in 28 of 31 contests this season. Forbes has made three or more 3-pointers in 19 games and ranks tied for the Big Ten lead and ninth nationally in 3-point field goals made (3.4). At Rutgers, Forbes established a Big Ten single-game record with 11 made 3-pointers. His 104 made 3-pointers this year rank as the third-best single-season total in MSU history, 10 behind Drew Neitzel (114, 2006-07) and 15 behind Shawn Respert (119, 1994-95).
Dominating Margins
Michigan State leads the nation in scoring margin at +16.9. Of MSU's 26 wins, only six have been by single digits, including just two of 12 Big Ten victories. The Spartans have won 13 games by 20 or more points, including eight games by 30 points or more. In conference play, MSU has won eight games by 19 points or more, including four by more than 30 points.
All-Time Block Leaders
Matt Costello is tied with Adreian Payne for second in MSU history with 141 blocks. Branden Dawson is the MSU career leader with 142 blocks. Costello blocked 43 shots as a sophomore and 48 as a junior.
Forbes' Big Halves
Bryn Forbes ranks second on the team and 13th in the Big Ten at 15.1 points per game. But what makes the nation's top 3-point shooter (.505) especially dangerous is his ability to score in bunches. In Big Ten play, Forbes scored 18 or more points in a half in five different games, including 23 at Michigan (1st half), 20 at Ohio State (2nd half), 20 at Penn State (1st half), 18 vs. Rutgers (1st half) and 18 at Rutgers (2nd half).
Potent Offense Best Of Izzo Era
Michigan State averages 80.7 points per game, which currently stands as the highest average in Tom Izzo's 21 seasons. The 2004-05 season holds the Izzo-era mark for a full season at 78.5 ppg. It's the highest scoring team at MSU since the 1985-86 Spartans averaged 83.1 points in Scott Skiles' senior season. The Spartans rank second in the Big Ten in scoring offense overall and first in conference games at 79.7 ppg.
Shooting And Defending The Three
Michigan State leads the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage at .439, while ranking 17th in the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage defense at .306. The .133 difference between shooting and defending the three leads the nation, and is the third-largest in the last five years, ranking behind 2011-12 Niagara (.136) and 2012-13 Weber St. (.134).
Incoming Spartans Named McDonald's All-Americans
Incoming Spartan recruits Miles Bridges and Joshua Langford have been selected to play in the 2016 McDonald's All-American game on March 30, 2016, at the United Center in Chicago. Bridges will play for the East, while Langford will suit up for the West. They become the 13th and 14th McDonald's All-Americans to play for Tom Izzo. It marks the third time that two Spartans have been selected, joining Marcus Taylor and Zach Randolph in 2000 and Shannon Brown and Brandon Cotton in 2003. Current freshman Deyonta Davis was a 2015 All-American.
Spartans Dominate In Big Ten Play
Michigan State's Big Ten stats were very impressive in conference games. Of the 21 official statistical categories, MSU ranked in the top three in 17 of them, including pacing the conference in 12 different categories (scoring offense, scoring margin, field-goal percentage, field-goal percentage defense, 3-point field-goal percentage, rebounding offense, rebounding margin, assists, assist-to-turnover ratio, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds and offensive rebound percentage). Several of the statistical efforts are among the best in recent history. MSU's +13.6 scoring margin is the greatest since Illinois posted a +15.4 margin in 2005. The Spartans are the first team to average 80 points (80.3 ppg) in conference action since Purdue (81.3 ppg) in 1998. MSU's .466 3-point field-goal percentage is the best since Illinois shot .470 in 1992. The Spartans' +10.1 rebound margin is the fifth best in the Big Ten since 1975 and the best since MSU boasted a +11.5 margin in 2009.
Valentine Returns To Form
After missing four games following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Dec. 21, Denzel Valentine returned to action at Penn State on Jan. 10. Coach Izzo stressed that it takes time for even the best players to return to form after missing weeks and that proved to be true with Valentine. In 15 games since returning from injury, Valentine is averaging 20.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.8 assists, including 21.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.3 assists in the last 13 contests. Before injury, he averaged 18.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists.
It's All About Boardwork
Michigan State owns an impressive +11.9 rebounding margin, ranking first in the nation, as the Spartans have out-rebounded 28 of 31 opponents this season, including Louisville by +10, after the Cardinals entered the game with a +21.4 margin. In the Tom Izzo era, MSU has out-rebounded 560 of 725 opponents (.772), posting a 445-115 (.795) mark in those games. The Spartans have led the nation in rebounding in four of the last 16 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 13 of the last 19 years and in 14 of 21 seasons under Izzo.
From Beyond the Arc
Michigan State currently ranks first in the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage, shooting .439 from behind the arc. In conference games, the Spartans shot a Big Ten-best .466 (the highest percentage since Illinois shot .470 in 1992). Over the last 13 contests, MSU is shooting .503 (150-298). Individually, the Spartans are led by Bryn Forbes at .505, ranking first in the nation, while Denzel Valentine ranks 10th in the nation at .454. Valentine and Forbes are tied for the Big Ten lead in made 3-pointers, averaging 3.4 per contest. Ten different Spartans have made a 3-pointer. MSU ranks third in the Big Ten in 3-point field goals made (286, 9.2 pg) overall, and second in conference games (177, 9.8 pg). Defensively, MSU also ranks sixth in the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage defense (.299).
Oh So Close!
Three of Michigan State's five defeats have come by one point, including one overtime loss. MSU has not lost three games by one point since the 1981-82 season. The 1962-63 and 1919-20 Spartans also lost three games by a single point. Michigan State has never lost four one-point games in a single season.
NBA All-Star
Draymond Green played in his first NBA All-Star game on Feb. 14 as a reserve for the West squad. The 2012 NABC National Player of the Year becomes the seventh Spartan to make an All-Star Team, joining Johnny Green, Ralph Simpson (ABA), Magic Johnson, Kevin Willis, Steve Smith and Zach Randolph. Through March 7, Green is averaging 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and 7.5 assists, leading the NBA with 11 triple-doubles.
Davis' Immediate Impact
Freshman Deyonta Davis is proving to be an impact player in his first season. The 2015 Michigan Mr. Basketball Award winner ranks third in the Big Ten in blocks (1.9 bpg), second in field-goal percentage (.604) and has scored in double figures in 10 games. He's started the last 13 games, averaging 6.2 points and 6.0 rebounds in 19.5 minutes. Davis is a two-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week, including capturing the honor on Feb. 1, after averaging 11.0 rebounds, 4.0 blocks and 7.0 points in a pair of wins. His first honor came on Nov. 30 after averaging 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in four games.
Costello Steps Up
Senior Matt Costello is having his best season as a Spartan, averaging 10.5 points and a team-best 8.5 rebounds. More importantly, he has raised his game in the last 19 contests, beginning with the four games in which Denzel Valentine was out of action with an injury, averaging 12.4 points and 10.2 rebounds. He scored a career-best 22 points vs. Indiana, as well as scoring 18 points at Wisconsin and 17 points at both Iowa and Minnesota, while grabbing a career-best 15 rebounds at Minnesota and at Rutgers. He's posted a double-double in nine of the last 19 games. He's averaging a double-double in conference games at 12.5 points, ranking third on the team, and a Big Ten-best 10.1 rebounds, as his eight double-doubles in conference play led the Big Ten. Costello is just the second Spartan under Tom Izzo to average a double-double in conference play, as Draymond Green averaged 16.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game in 2011-12.
Spartans Share The Ball
Unselfishness is a trademark of all Tom Izzo teams. Michigan State is averaging a nation's-best 21.0 assists, recording an assist on 652-of-902 field goals, good for a nation's-best 72.3 percent. The 652 assists have already established a Michigan State single-season record. In 14 games, MSU has recorded more assists than the opponent has totaled field goals. At 21.0 assists per game, MSU averages two more assists than any other team in the nation, while ranking 18th all time since the assist became an official stat in 1983-84. It's the highest average since Kentucky averaged 21.6 assists in 1995-96.
Basketball-Football Balance
Michigan State is one of seven schools to be ranked in The Associated Press Top 25 in both football and men's basketball as the Spartans are currently ranked No. 2 in basketball and No. 6 in football. Oklahoma, North Carolina, Iowa, Baylor, Oregon and Utah are the other schools with both programs ranked. (Football AP Top 25-Jan. 12; Basketball AP Top 25-March 7).
Rejection By Davis
In less than a year, Deyonta Davis is proving to be one of the best shot blockers in MSU history. With 59 blocks, Davis already has established the single-season record for a Spartan freshman, surpassing the previous mark of 29 blocks held by Delvon Roe (2008-09). The 59 blocks rank as the third-best single-season total in MSU history. He needs one more block to tie Drew Naymick (60 blocks, 2007-08) for the second-best season mark and 13 more to match the MSU single-season record of 72, established by Ken Johnson in 1984-85. His six blocks at Northwestern established a Michigan State freshman single-game record.
Valentine's Double-Doubles
Denzel Valentine ranks tied for second in the Big Ten with nine double-doubles this season including two triple-doubles, three points and rebounds double-doubles and four points and assists double-doubles. He has 16 double-doubles for his career.
The Turnover Story
Michigan State is 11-1 this season when committing the same number or fewer turnovers than its opponent, with the lone loss coming in overtime vs. Purdue. The Spartans have had single-digit turnovers in 11 games. Michigan State is averaging 12.0 turnovers in its 26 wins and 12.0 in its five losses. MSU's current 12.0 turnovers per game average is the third-lowest of the Tom Izzo era, behind only the 2014-15 (11.3) and 2013-14 (11.6) squads.
Valentine In A Class Of His Own
Denzel Valentine is the only player in MSU or Big Ten history to total 1,300 career points, 700 career rebounds and 500 career assists. In 140 career games, he's totaled 1,580 points, 824 rebounds and 600 assists. Only five Spartans have ever amassed 1,000 career points and 500 career assists, as Valentine joins Mateen Cleaves, Kalin Lucas, Drew Neitzel and Scott Skiles. Since 2000 only four players are part of the 1,300-700-500 club, as Valentine is joined by BYU's Kyle Collinsworth (2010-Active), Louisville's Terrence Williams (2005-09) and DeAndre Kane (Marshall 2010-13, Iowa State 2013-14). Valentine and Collinsworth are the only two members of the 1,500-800-600 club. (Source - Sports-Reference.com)
Individual Statistical Champions
In conference games, Denzel Valentine led the Big Ten with 20.5 points and 7.8 assists per game, while Matt Costello paced the conference with 10.1 rebounds per conference game. No combination of players from the same team has led the Big Ten in all three categories during conference play since at least 1975. In addition, Valentine led the Big Ten in 3-point field goals made (3.8) and Costello paced the conference in offensive rebounding (3.9). Valentine is just the fourth player to pace the conference in both scoring and assists in Big Ten games since 1975, joining Iowa's Andre Woolridge (1997), Michigan State's Marcus Taylor (2002) and Michigan's Trey Burke (2013).
Making The Most Of An Opportunity
Junior Eron Harris has started 18 games this season, scoring in double figures in 10 of the 18. In his 18 starts, he's averaging 11.0 points, shooting .459 from the field, .481 from 3-point range, and .826 from the foul line.
Halftime Leads
Michigan State is a perfect 23-0 when leading at the half. The Spartans have also shown the ability to bounce back when trailing at the half, overcoming halftime deficits vs. Kansas (35-41), Louisville (29-32) and Oakland (37-50).
Improved Foul Shooting
Michigan State ranks sixth in the Big Ten and 90th in the nation in free-throw percentage, shooting .721 from the foul line. While that percentage isn't overly impressive, it's certainly an improvement over last season when MSU ranked 330th in the nation, shooting 63.2 percent from the charity stripe. Unfortunately, MSU shot a season-low 57.1 percent (12-21) in a one-point loss to Nebraska.
Spartan Comebacks
Michigan State has shown the ability to overcome adversity during the 2015-16 season, as the Spartans have overcome double-figure deficits in four victories. MSU trailed Oakland by 15 points in the first half and 13 at the half, and also trailed Kansas and Louisville by 13 points in the first half, while rallying from a 10-point first-half deficit against Indiana. Against Purdue, MSU rallied from an 18-point second-half deficit to lead by four points, before eventually falling to the Boilermakers in overtime.
Home-Grown Talent
Michigan State's projected starting lineup includes four Spartans who went to high school in Michigan. This includes both the 2012 (Matt Costello) and 2015 (Deyonta Davis) Michigan Mr. Basketball winners.
Izzo Second In Wins At A Big Ten School
With 521 career wins, Tom Izzo has passed Gene Keady (512 wins) for second-most victories at a Big Ten school, trailing only Bob Knight (661 wins). Izzo is also third all time with 246 Big Ten wins, trailing just Knight (353 wins) and Keady (265 wins).
Rotating Starting Lineup
Michigan State started the same five through the first 12 games of the season. When Denzel Valentine was injured on Dec. 20, it forced Tom Izzo to make a change in the lineup. Beginning with the Dec. 22 game vs. Oakland, the Spartans used five different lineups in the next seven games. Starting with the Jan. 20 contest vs. Nebraska, MSU has used the same lineup of Valentine, Bryn Forbes, Eron Harris, Matt Costello and Deyonta Davis in the last 12 contests.
Tum Tum In A Limited Role
Michigan State point guard Tum Tum Nairn Jr. has played 50 minutes in the last six games after missing the prior seven games due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot. With 87 assists and just 23 turnovers on the season, he ranks seventh in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.78). In his last 21 games, he has posted a 4.2 assist-to-turnover ratio (79 assists, 19 turnovers). He committed just six turnovers in seven games in the month of December.
Offensive Rebounding
MSU leads the Big Ten with 12.4 offensive rebounds per game, while ranking second in offensive rebound percentage, grabbing 37.3 percent of its missed shots. The Spartans are averaging 12.4 second-chance points per contest, outscoring opponents by a +3.9 margin.
20-Win Seasons
With a win over Michigan, MSU recorded its 16th 20-win season in the last 19 years, all under head coach Tom Izzo. Of the 24 20-win seasons in Spartan history, Izzo has been involved in 21 of them, 16 as a head coach and five as an assistant.
Big Ten Success
Michigan State has won 13 regular-season Big Ten Championships since joining the league prior to the 1950-51 season. The Spartans' first-ever league game was at Northwestern, where MSU claimed a 67-62 victory on Jan. 6, 1951. All time, MSU is 604-472 (.561) in league play, including 246-112 (.687) under Tom Izzo, who ranks third in league history with 246 conference wins. Izzo has guided MSU to seven of its 13 league crowns. Since Izzo's first season (1995-96), MSU has a Big Ten-best record of 246-112, 14 games better than second-place Wisconsin (232-126).
Spartan Depth
Ten Spartans average 10 minutes per game, while 12 average seven minutes or more. MSU has needed its depth as Gavin Schilling (turf toe), Marvin Clark Jr. (foot), Denzel Valentine (knee) and Tum Tum Nairn Jr. (plantar fasciitis) have each missed time due to injury, and Kenny Goins suffered a sprained MCL against Indiana that has kept him out of action since then. The Spartans have had their full allotment of scholarship players available for just four games this season, and have lost a player to injury in or following three of those four.
The 500 Win Club
Tom Izzo recorded his 500th-career win in MSU's 99-68 victory over Boston College in the Wooden Legacy. Izzo became the 91st coach in history to record 500 career wins, with at least 10 seasons in Division I, and just the eighth coach to accomplish the feat in his first 21 seasons. Izzo also became the 18th coach to win 500 career games in his first collegiate head coaching stop, and was the eighth-fastest coach to reach 500 wins among those who did it all at one school, accomplishing the feat in 699 career games. (Note: Two days later, Bob McKillop recorded career win No. 500 in 27 seasons - all at Davidson.) Double-Double Threats
Three different Spartans have recorded a double-double this season. Denzel Valentine has two triple-doubles (vs. Kansas and Boston College), and seven double-doubles (vs. Binghamton, UMES, Maryland, Purdue, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio State), while Matt Costello (vs. UAPB, Oakland, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland, Rutgers, Indiana, Penn State, Rutgers and Ohio State) has 10 double-doubles and Deyonta Davis (vs. Florida Atlantic) has one.
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 203 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 (189), Texas (185), Duke (179) and Kentucky (172).
Valentine Lends A Helping Hand
Denzel Valentine leads the Big Ten and ranks fourth in the nation, averaging 7.5 assists per contest. With 600 assists for his career, he ranks third in MSU history. He needs 46 assists to pass Scott Skiles (645) for second place. In games in which he has played, Valentine has either made or assisted on 49.0 percent of MSU's field goals, including 50.2 percent in games which he has started. Since returning to action, the percentage increases to 51.4 percent. He also boasts a career-best 2.8 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Team Awards
Denzel Valentine was named Team MVP as voted on by both the media and his teammates at the annual Awards Banquet on March 7. He also received the Antonio Smith Glue and Guts Award for a second-straight season. Matt Costello and Bryn Forbes shared the Most Improved Player Award, while Costello also collected the Jumping Johnny Green Chairman of the Boards Award. Tum Tum Nairn Jr. received the Stephen G. Scofes Inspirational Player Award, while Eron Harris received the John E. Benington Best Defensive Player Award. Colby Wollenman collected the Unsung Player and Scholar-Athlete Awards, while Matt Van Dyk was the recipient of the Tim Bograkos Walk-On Award.
Remarkable Regular Season
Michigan State established a school record by winning its first 13 games to open the regular-season, surpassing the previous mark of 12-0 in 2000-01. The Spartans wrapped up the regular-season with 26 wins, tying the school regular-season mark, also held by the 1989-90 and 1998-99 teams.
Triple-Double Trouble
Denzel Valentine recorded a triple-double against Kansas in the Champions Classic (29 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists), joining Earvin Johnson (eight), Draymond Green (three) and Charlie Bell (one) as the only Spartans to accomplish the feat. He recorded a second against Boston College (29 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists), becoming one of three Spartans with multiple triple-doubles. Including his triple-doubles, Valentine has 15 career double-doubles.
Valentine On Awards Lists
Denzel Valentine is a finalist for several major awards. He is one of 15 finalists for the John R. Wooden Award, one of 11 finalists for the USBWA Oscar Robertson Trophy, and one of 10 semifinalists for the Naismith Award. In addition he is one of five finalists for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award, and one of 10 finalists for the Senior CLASS Award, honoring student-athletes with notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition
Coaching Stability
Michigan State has had just two basketball coaches in the last 40 seasons and three in the last 47. Tom Izzo is in his 21st season, having taking over from his mentor Jud Heathcote, who spent 19 years as head coach (1976-95). Before Heathcote, Gus Ganakas spent seven seasons as head coach. Ganakas is currently in his 30th-straight season providing commentary on Spartan radio broadcasts.
Valentine In The Record Books
Denzel Valentine has played in 140 career games, needing to play in six more to hold sole position of the top spot in Spartan history. Valentine ranks third in MSU career assists (600) and 10th in career rebounds (824), standing as the only Spartan to rank in the school's career Top 10 in both categories. He ranks fourth in MSU history with 254 made 3-pointers and fourth with 621 3-point attempts.
Spartans In The NBA
Michigan State leads the Big Ten with seven players on NBA rosters this season. Branden Dawson (Los Angeles Clippers) is in his rookie season after being selected in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft, while Keith Appling made his NBA debut with the Orlando Magic. They join former Spartans Alan Anderson (Washington), Draymond Green (Golden State), Gary Harris (Denver), Adreian Payne (Minnesota) and Zach Randolph (Memphis).
MSU At No. 1
Michigan State held the No. 1 position in the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Polls for a school-record four weeks earlier this season (Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28). It marked just the fourth time in school history, including the third time under Tom Izzo, for a total of 11 weeks. After opening the season at No. 13 in the preseason poll, MSU's rise to No. 1 was the largest by week five since 1987-88 when Arizona opened at No. 17 and rose to No. 1 in week five. The Spartans were No. 1 for two weeks during the National Championship season of 1978-79, holding the top spot on Jan. 3 and Jan. 9. In 2000-01, MSU reached the top spot on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. MSU held the No. 1 spot for three weeks in 2013-14 (Nov. 18-Dec. 2), posting a 4-1 record. The Spartans have an all-time record of 14-5 at No. 1.
Valentine's Weekly Honors
Denzel Valentine is a four-time Big Ten Player of the Week selection this season, including capturing the award twice in February (Feb. 8 & 15). Most recently, he averaged 28.5 points, 11.5 assists, 6.5 rebounds in a pair of games vs. Purdue and Indiana. The effort also earned him the national Naismith Trophy Player of the Week honor on Feb. 16. Earlier this season Valentine earned back-to-back Big Ten weekly honors on Nov. 23 and Nov. 30. Following a week in which he averaged 18.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 11.5 assists in wins over No. 4 Kansas and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, including posting a triple-double vs. Kansas, Valentine was also named National Player of the Week by ESPN.com, CBS Sports and NBC Sports on Nov. 23. He followed by averaging 22.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists in four games, capturing NBC Sports National Player of the Week honors on Nov. 30. Valentine is not the only Spartan to earn a weekly honor as Bryn Forbes was honored on Dec. 28 and March 7.
1,000-Point Scorers
Denzel Valentine ranks 14th in MSU history with 1,580 career points. He needs nine points to pass Morris Peterson (1,588 points) and 18 to pass Raymar Morgan (1,597 points). Bryn Forbes has 1,703 career points, 905 of which came in his first two seasons at Cleveland State. Eron Harris surpassed 1,000 career points with his 21-point effort at Iowa. He's totaled 1,162 career points after totaling 873 in two seasons at West Virginia.
MSU In The Polls
Michigan State is currently ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25 and No. 3 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Four other Big Ten schools are ranked including Indiana (No. 10 Associated Press/No. 10 USA Today), Purdue (No. 13/13), Maryland (No. 18/15) and Iowa (No. 20/18). In addition to the conference opponents, MSU defeated Kansas (No. 1/1) in the Champions Classic and Louisville (No. 14/--) in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.
Prep Teammates
Michigan State's roster features three pairs of high school teammates. Seniors Denzel Valentine and Bryn Forbes teamed to appear in three-straight Michigan Class B title games from 2010-2012, capturing the state championship in 2011 and 2012. Sophomores 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 in 2013-14, while Nairn finished his high school career. Juniors 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.
Nation's Best Seven Final Fours in 17 Years
Michigan State advanced to the 2015 Final Four, marking the seventh trip to the Final Four in 20 seasons under Tom Izzo. The seven trips in the last 17 seasons rank as the most in the nation. In addition, MSU has appeared in 18-straight NCAA Tournaments, marking the nation's third-longest active streak, and matching the longest streak in Big Ten history.
Breslin Upgrades on the Horizon
A major facilities upgrade â€" focused on improving the visitor experience â€" and the construction of a Michigan State University Basketball Hall of History are on tap for the Breslin Student Events Center. The MSU Board of Trustees gave the university the go-ahead to proceed with the $50 million project. $30 million will be provided by the university and $20 million from MSU Athletics. The work is scheduled to begin in January 2016, with substantial completion expected by August 2017 and final completion by June 2018.
Spartans Summer Trip: Italy
In late August, Michigan State traveled to Italy for the first summer foreign trip of the Tom Izzo era. After a decisive 98-54 victory over a club team in Florence, the Spartans took part in a four-team round-robin event, featuring national teams from Russia, Italy, and Georgia. Although the Spartans dropped all three games, the games got progressively closer as MSU trailed Italy by just five points midway through the fourth quarter, and falling to Georgia by a single point. Denzel Valentine averaged a team-best 17.3 points against the three national teams, while Gavin Schilling was the team's leading rebounder (7.0 rpg) and second-leading scorer (13.3 ppg). Bryn Forbes also averaged double figures at 13.0 ppg.
Valentine Wins Bronze with USA
Denzel Valentine was a member of the USA Basketball Pan American Games Team that captured a Bronze Medal in Canada July 21-25. He ranked sixth on the team in scoring, averaging 7.4 points, while shooting .500 from the field and .385 from 3-point range. In medal play, he averaged 11 points and 3.5 rebounds in two games.
Wooden Legacy Recap
Michigan State captured the 2015 Wooden Legacy championship with three double-digit victories. Denzel Valentine was named Most Outstanding Player after averaging 26.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists, while also setting an event mark with 15 3-pointers in three games (.536). He recorded his second-career triple-double vs. Boston College, and scored a career-high 32 points vs. Boise State. Deyonta Davis averaged 11.3 points, shooting .850 from the field. Tum Tum Nairn Jr. averaged 7.7 points, including a career-high 13 points vs. Boston College, and totaled 18 assists and just two turnovers in two games. MSU recorded an assist on 69-of-88 baskets (78.4 percent) and held a +11.0 rebounding margin. The Spartans shot 52.1 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from 3-point range.
An Impressive Debut
Deyonta Davis became just the third Spartan freshman to post a double-double in his debut, totaling 13 points and 11 rebounds, joining Derrick Nix and Matt Steigenga. Davis also blocked five shots, the most ever in a Spartan freshman debut. The 11 rebounds are the second-most ever in an MSU freshman debut.
2016 Recruiting Class
Michigan State and head coach Tom Izzo will be bringing in one of the nation's top recruiting classes in 2016, as it currently sits at No. 3 according to ESPN.com. During November's early signing period, the Spartans received signed letters of intent from five-star recruits Miles Bridges (G/F, 6-7, Flint, Mich.) and Joshua Langford (G, 6-5, Huntsville, Ala.), along with four stars Cassius Winston (G, 6-0, Detroit, Mich.) and Nick Ward (F, 6-9, Gahanna, Ohio). All four players have been rated in the Top 50 of their class across the country by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com and 24/7 Sports, with Bridges and Langford touted as high as No. 8 and No. 17, respectively. Bridges has averaged a double-double throughout his high school career, including 15.7 points and 10.6 rebounds at Huntington Prep last season. He'll carry on the tradition of Flint natives at MSU under Izzo, including Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson, Charlie Bell and Antonio Smith. Langford is a four-time Alabama Class 3A Player of the Year, having first won the award as an eighth grader, while also capturing two state championships. Winston has led his squad to the state semifinals in each of the last two seasons, and averaged 22.3 points and 7.1 assists as a junior. Ward attends Gahanna Lincoln High School, where he was teammates with current Spartan Javon Bess, and averaged 18 points, eight rebounds and two blocks as a prep junior.
The Book On Tom Izzo
Coach Izzo
In his 21st year, Tom Izzo (Northern Michigan, '77) is 521-204 (.719), and 246-112 (.687) 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 20 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 .687 winning percentage in Big Ten games ranks third all-time among league coaches with at least 10 years of service, behind former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan (.717), and former Indiana coach Bob Knight (.700), and ahead of former Purdue coach Ward Lambert (.685). In all games, Ohio State's Thad Matta ranks first at .750, followed by Ryan (.737), Knight (.734), Izzo (.719), Wisconsin's Walter Meanwell (.712), and Lambert (.709). With 246 conference victories, Izzo ranks third all time.
Izzo Among Best Ever
Through his first 20 seasons, Tom Izzo won 495 games, ranking fifth in college basketball history for most wins by a college coach in his first 20 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 was 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.
