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MSU beats Arkansas-Pine Bluff on total team effort

November 20, 2015
<p>Sophomore guard Lourawls 'Tum Tum' Nairn Jr., attempts a basket over Arkansas-Pine Bluff guard Jaquan Lynch, 10, during the second half of the game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 20, 2015 at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Golden Lions, 92-46.</p>

Sophomore guard Lourawls 'Tum Tum' Nairn Jr., attempts a basket over Arkansas-Pine Bluff guard Jaquan Lynch, 10, during the second half of the game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 20, 2015 at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Golden Lions, 92-46.

Photo by Alice Kole | The State News

On Tuesday night, the world was shown the premiere of the Denzel Valentine show. On Friday the show didn’t air --- but the crowd at Breslin Center witnessed a show complete with a cast of characters able to carry the show without a star in a 92-46 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

MSU proved on Friday they need not rely on Valentine for the win. He’s without a doubt the essential piece to MSU but even when he’s not at his best his teammates were able to be just as dangerous.

When Arkansas-Pine Bluff keyed on him and drew him out of his comfort zone, he was unafraid to dish the ball. Though to unselfish at times Izzo said Valentine was able to unleash the multitude of talent in the MSU roster.

One man in particular, Javon Bess, benefitted from Valentine's unselfish eye. Bess, a sophomore forward, carried the offense for the most part. He popped in a team high 16 points, and was a force inside the paint.

"He did great," senior center Matt Costello said of Bess. "Aggressive, I was proud of him."

Contributing as well to the attack inside the paint was Costello who had 10 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Sharp shooters Bryn Forbes and Matt McQuaid combined for 22 points and the pair went 6 of 14 from beyond the arc.

Junior guard Eron Harris had nine points, freshman forward Deyonta Davis had six, and junior guard Alvin Ellis III had seven. Of all those who saw the floor Friday, only sophomore guard Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn didn’t muster a point.

The Spartans continued to spread the ball around well with 33 field goals on 26 assists further proving that even Valentine doesn’t need to be scoring in droves for the team to win.

“I’m really encouraged by it, but we need to do it an entire game,” Bess said of the team's ability to spread the ball.

The Spartans struggled early in the second half to distribute the ball but caught rhythm. Even against the zone, the Spartans were able to sling the ball around. All things they do well even without Valentine.

Though Valentine wasn’t on fire, and wasn’t burying points, he relished in the team’s win, proving it’s team over individual.

“Everybody just stepped up and played a good game and I’m happy,” Valentine said. “Javon gets his career high, everybody gets to play, people are feeling good.”

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