Michigan State Basketball vs. Indiana Hoosiers Official Game Thread: The Spartans Defeat IU, 64-58
EAST LANSING – Michigan State basketball is just about out of second chances heading into Tuesday night's matchup against Indiana.
The Spartans more than likely need 2-3 more wins between now and the Big Ten Tournament to receive an invite to the NCAA Tournament.
In addition to that, MSU doesn't want to put itself in a position where they need to beat Michigan.
Currently, the Spartans are in control of their destiny; however, that changes if MSU can't defeat the Hoosiers.
Michigan State took 28 three-pointers in a loss at Maryland; MSU is not a good 3-point shooting team. Overall, they make them 33.1% of the time, which ranks MSU 211th in the nation.
The Spartans have yet to win a game when attempting more than 17 threes a game. In seven of Michigan State's ten conference losses, they heaved up 20 or more 3-pointers.
It's simply not their game; expect less of those tonight and more of the offensive output fans witnessed against OSU and Illinois.
It's Game Day
Starters
Media Timeout: IU 5 MSU 4
14:57 left in the first half.
Neither team is playing well offensively, credit both sides on defense, but MSU & Indiana are a combined 1-for-12 from the field. The Spartans have also turned it over three times in the first five minutes.
Media Timeout: IU 11 MSU 9
11:55 left in the first half.
Indiana already has five offensive rebounds and leads MSU by two points, 11-9. Michigan State is 2-of-8 from the floor and 4-for-4 at the line.
Media Timeout: IU 16 MSU 14
6:59 left in the first half.
Both squads are shooting a poor 9-for-32 combined. IU to the line following the timeout.
Media Timeout: MSU 20 IU 20
4:14 left in the first half.
The Spartans are fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but IU, who is also on the bubble continues to battle. It's all tied at 20 with less than five minutes remaining.
Halftime Stats
Media Timeout: MSU 31 IU 31
15:56 left in the second half.
MSU and Indiana are tied up at the first media timeout of the second half. Eight fouls have already been called.
Media Timeout: IU 38 MSU 35
11:35 left in the second half.
The Spartans trail by five points and not much has changed from the first half. Neither team is playing particularly well, but both are in the bonus. Henry headed to the line following the timeout, who will make more free-throws in the final 11-minutes?
Media Timeout: MSU 48 IU 47
6:15 left in the second half.
Joey Hauser with two buckets but gives up one in between possessions to Jordan Geronimo. MSU up 48-47 on Indiana with less than seven to play.
Media Timeout: MSU 53 IU 51
3:13 left in the second half.
Henry scores again; after a slow start, the junior captain has 11 of his 15 points in the second half and has helped give MSU a two-point lead.
Final: MSU 64 IU 58
