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Marvin Clark, Gavin Schilling impress in men's basketball's win over Santa Clara

November 24, 2014
<p>Sophomore forward Gavin Schilling blocks Santa Clara forward Matt Hubbard Nov. 24, 2014, during the game against Santa Clara at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Broncos, 79-52. Erin Hampton/The State News</p>

Sophomore forward Gavin Schilling blocks Santa Clara forward Matt Hubbard Nov. 24, 2014, during the game against Santa Clara at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Broncos, 79-52. Erin Hampton/The State News

After losing a number of talented players from a year ago, it was known that for MSU to have success this season, fresh faces would have to step up. It appears freshman forward Marvin Clark Jr. and sophomore forward Gavin Schilling have the potential to be a couple of those guys.

Clark got his first career start on Monday evening, replacing an ill senior forward Branden Dawson, and he made the most of his opportunity. Clark matched his career high with 15 points, four rebounds and four blocks in Monday’s 79-52 victory over Santa Clara (2-2 overall) opening the night with five of the Spartans first eight points, including a 3-pointer on the first shot of the night.

The strong performance from Clark came on the heels of a break-out performance last time out against Loyola (Chicago) last Friday when he put up 15 points and three rebounds in only 12 minutes of playing time.

Following the game, Clark said he didn’t find out until this afternoon’s shoot around that Dawson wouldn’t be able to go and that he would get the start. Once he found out he’d get the start, his mindset became to focus on proving he is a reliable option to fill in for Dawson when needed.

“Just being an impact off the bench when (Dawson) comes out,” Clark said. “I don’t want the team to think they can let down because I’m going to bring and make the same plays as (Dawson) can make.”

While head coach Tom Izzo mentioned Clark has shown improvement and pointed out his solid three point shooting numbers so far, he isn’t ready to say Clark is a finished project. Izzo said there is still room for improvement on the defensive end of the ball and overall needs to continue to improve communication on the floor.

“Marvin had great stats and a pretty good game but there’s other parts of the game he’s going to have to do,” Izzo said.

Clark wasn't the only Spartan who posted career high numbers on Monday, with Schilling recording his first career double-double at MSU. Schilling finished the night with 14 points and 11 rebounds and to Izzo has been a bright spot so far this season.

The performance out of Schilling is another step forward in his mind and simply has a lot to do with being more comfortable in his second year at MSU. Schilling said this year everything feels slowed down and has ultimately led to more consistent play.

“I made the biggest leap in just feeling more comfortable out on the floor,” Schilling said. “Feeling more comfortable in the post and just taking my time, and just knowing the system better. All of that just comes in as a factor.”

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