As February comes to a close the trio of Branden Dawson, Denzel Valentine and Travis Trice have been playing well lately for the Spartans. They will need to continue their high level of play as the season heads into March, when the madness begins.
Branden Dawson
The senior forward is playing at an All-Big Ten level right now, averaging 11.9 points and 10 rebounds per game. He’s the only player in the league averaging a double-double, and he’s coming off of an incredible stat line against Ohio State — 15 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and five blocks.
Head coach thought Dawson started off slow, but by halftime, he was locked in.
“BJ (Dawson) wasn’t himself the first couple minutes,” Izzo said. “I told him I thought he was not running very hard, not working very hard. But boy is it fun to see him not argue and then do something and then go into halftime, say ‘I got you, coach. I knew what I was doing.’”
Dawson, a 44.4 percent free throw shooter this season, made two critical free throws down the stretch in Saturday’s win. It was a result of the dedication Dawson has put into his game and the hours spent in the practice gym, Izzo said.
“(At) 11:30 every day, you want to see Dawson. He’s got a class in there,” Izzo said. “It’s so fun when you’re on guys hard, like everybody claims I am, and then when you see — I mean, I could just do nothing but smile when Dawson made his free throws.”
Denzel Valentine
After a 33-point blowout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, junior guard Denzel Valentine said that he didn’t think he needed to be the “go-to guy.” As long as he made the right pass or shot, MSU would be fine.
Valentine hit one of the biggest shots of his Spartan career Saturday, a game-winning three to lift MSU to an crucial win. His tune has changed a bit, saying that he wanted the ball in his hands. Taking and making shots like his game-winner is why he wanted to be at MSU, he said.
Izzo wanted nobody other than Valentine to have the ball in the closing minutes. It’s a privilege that he’s earned, Izzo said.
“Unless he has a broken arm, that’s the decision,” Izzo said. “And if the whole world knows it, I really don’t care. So, be prepared for him. Because he just can do different things. You always want it in a guy’s hand that can either make a great pass, make a shot or make a free throw when he gets fouled. He’s earned the right.”
Travis Trice
For two straight games, senior guard Travis Trice has come off the bench. In those two games, MSU has picked up important conference victories, and Trice has been solid.
As the second half wound down on Saturday, Trice was right in the thick of things.
“I told him, I put the ball in his hand but it can’t be for a jacked three, and he took that one to the hole,” Izzo said. “It was almost like somebody was looking down, and it just all went like it was supposed to go.”
The play Izzo was referring to came with 1:16 left in the game. Trice attacked the basket, and despite some contact, he found a way to get his layup to drop. The senior finished the game with nine points and five assists.
Like he was with Dawson, Izzo was impressed with Trice’s performance.
“Your seniors, your upperclassmen gotta play well to have a great season,” Izzo said. “Boy at the right time, they did.”
