MSU (15-2, 6-0 Big Ten) edged Penn State 90-85 to remain undefeated at home, thanks to Frankie Fidler’s performance, strong free-throw shooting and the containing of Penn State's core outlets.

The 10-game streak is MSU’s longest since 2019, when the Spartans won the Big Ten title and reached the Final Four.

Here are some takeaways from the hectic, sometimes bumpy MSU-Penn State game.

MSU limits Baldwin Jr. and Niederhauser

Izzo said Penn State’s chances depended heavily on guard Ace Baldwin Jr.’s return from injury. Within the first few minutes of the game, and after all 40 minutes, it was clear Baldwin Jr. impacted Penn State’s offense immensely.

But even with Baldwin Jr., the quick 6-foot-1 player wasn’t enough to hand MSU the loss, and the Spartans stopped the offensive machine enough.

Baldwin Jr. was the playmaker — he had four assists and combined with forward Yanic Niederhauser for 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting in the first half. Baldwin Jr. finished with 20 points with 11 free throws, and nine assists. 

Niederhauser finished the game with 13 points, but only four rebounds. He also fouled out with 3:28 left, an influential time when the game could’ve gone to either team.

Fidler rescued MSU, but lacks consistency

The Omaha transfer only broke double-digit points in seven games this season, most recently coming against Florida Atlantic on Dec. 17 when he scored 10 points on six free throws. Since then, he has scored six, zero, five and eight points. Last night, he achieved a new career high with 18 points, eight field goals made and four steals. 

Fidler contributed four offensive rebounds and key second-chance points. He also hit a three-pointer, a part of the game that hasn’t been his forte this season.

"Frankie Fidler had a hell of a game. He’s going to get better," Izzo said. "Other than that, I thought we were very pedestrian-like."

Fidler’s 18 points helped secure MSU’s win and gave hope to the Spartans during the tumultuous second half. But, he hasn’t gained consistency this season. He began the season as a starter but quickly became a bench player, averaging roughly 14 minutes per game since exiting the starting five. Those 18 points might be the start of a necessary path to consistency, or possibly a standout second-half season.

Turnovers and transition play

MSU has been consistently impressive in its rebounding, bench points and fast-break points. Wednesday night was no different. 

MSU forced 14 turnovers and outrebounded the Nittany Lions 36-32, including MSU’s 15 offensive rebounds. The Spartans also had 23 second-chance points — 17 more than Penn State — 45 bench points, 48 points in the paint, 20 fast-break points and 24 assists on 32 field goals. 

Fast breaks and offensive rebounds helped MSU extend its lead to as many as 12 points, including key layups by Jaden Akins.

In a moment of desperate need to gain momentum, with the score within four points in the second half, MSU made seven of its last eight shots, including a flashy layup in transition by freshman guard Jase Richardson and a shot by Kohler, which led to a 64-55 MSU lead, and caused the Breslin to go crazy.

Foul trouble gave MSU an edge in the first half but worked against them in the second, allowing Penn State to close the gap.

The teams combined for 43 fouls, with MSU capitalizing on early foul trouble to maintain a narrow first-half lead.

MSU came out in the second half in sluggish fashion, committing three fouls in less than three minutes.

Due to the early lack of discipline, Penn State got into the bonus with 9:30 left in the second half, and bonus plus with seven minutes left.

In the second half, Penn State scored more free throws than MSU even attempted, especially late in the game when a few fouls led to Baldwin Jr. to make all but one free throw. Fears, Richardson and junior guard Tre Holloman all finished with four fouls each.

The Spartans, who also got into the bonus with over three minutes left in the second half, finished the game going 20-for-24 from the charity stripe, and redshirt freshman guard Jeremy Fears Jr. led the team with six made free throws. 

Penn State went 19-for-25 from the line, and Baldwin Jr. led the team by making 11 of 12 attempts, and guard Nick Kern, the bench player who Izzo said was the team’s second-best player, finished 2-for-7 from the line, and 3-for-5 from the field.

"Not many times this year have I been disappointed in our defensive performance. Tonight, I’m very disappointed," Izzo said. 

Next up, MSU hosts No. 19 Illinois on Sunday, Jan. 19, at noon in East Lansing, airing on Paramount Plus. With their win streak at 10 games, the Spartans will look to strengthen their Big Ten title aspirations against another top conference contender.