MADISON, Wis. - Winning its eighth-straight schoolyard brawl with No. 22 Wisconsin on Tuesday in a physical NCAA Tournament-like atmosphere, No. 3 MSU changed its plan of attack to dodge heavy defensive blows.
But despite the 51-47 victory, the Spartans (23-3 overall, 12-3 Big Ten), donning bully of the Big Ten - sporting a 23-9 conference road record since the 1997-98 season - failed to score in transition against the pesky Badgers (17-9, 8-7).
The game marked the eighth time this season Wisconsin - the league’s best defensive team, which has given up just 2.2 fast-break points against opponents - has shut down an opponent’s attacking pace.
As a member of a program known for its open-court, track-meet style of play, senior guard David Thomas said it was a challenge for MSU to adjust.
“We had to run things in our half court and it was pretty difficult,” he said. “They are just a tough, scrappy type of team that always plays as hard as they can every time they play us.”
For almost nine minutes late in the second half, the Spartans connected on only one field goal, a jump shot by sophomore guard Jason Richardson.
During the drought, Wisconsin went on an 8-2 scoring run to trail 45-47 until Richardson responded again, with a free throw at the 2:34 mark to maintain the MSU lead.
Although Richardson shot just 4-of-11 for 11 points, senior guard Charlie Bell said the Big Ten MVP candidate’s marksmanship was crucial in the clutch.
“It was really key for Jason to hit those shots,” Bell said. “Especially since there are times where I’m the point guard and I’m looking for someone to get the ball to.”
Head coach Tom Izzo said senior forward Andre Hutson’s assertiveness also helped MSU improve its half-court play. Hutson scored eight of his 13 points in the second half.
“We started to go to Hutson more inside throughout the game,” Izzo said. “Hutson is a heck of a player. The guy has really bounced back (after the flu) and has done an incredible job and that was the big difference.”
Ironically, the Spartans held the Badgers to zero fast-break points in the victory, forcing them to shoot 42.9 percent from the field.
Wisconsin head coach Brad Soderberg credited the Spartans’ physical presence, which was able to set the defensive tone early.
“Defensively Michigan State is awesome,” a disappointed Soderberg said after the game. “They’re athletic and physically they’re like football players and their scheme is excellent.”
Forward Andy Kowske, who has been a member of only one Wisconsin team that has beat MSU in his four-year career, said both teams have developed a mutual respect for each other.
“MSU is a lot like us since they play extremely hard,” Kowske said. “Usually teams with a lot of talent can get by without playing hard, but they don’t take that approach.”
