Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Sports | Men's Basketball

MEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU basketball bands together, overcomes double-digit deficit to beat Oakland

For much of the No. 1 MSU basketball teams's 99-93 overtime victory against Oakland Tuesday night, the Golden Grizzlies had the Spartans right where they wanted him. But much like they've done so many times in this season, this time without their star senior guard, the Spartans came together, as they overcame a double-digit deficit to defeat Oakland in overtime and improve to 13-0 on the season, the best start in school history. The Grizzlies jumped out to a 27-13 lead within the first ten minutes of the game.  And junior Oakland guard Kay Felder was as good as unguardable.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

FINAL: MSU outlasts Oakland, sets best start in school history

In its first game without star senior guard Denzel Valentine, who will miss the next few weeks due to a knee injury, the No. 1 MSU basketball team  Oakland came out competitive from the start and held a 27-13 lead near the midway point of the first half of Tuesday night's contest from The Palace of Auburn Hills. From there, MSU did manage to cut the Oakland lead to 27-19 but the Grizzlies would score seven straight to go back up 34-19 at the 7:16 mark of the first half. After that, MSU went on a quick 9-0 run to close Oakland's lead to six, 34-28. But Oakland continued to pile it on and took a 50-37 lead into the half.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Denzel Valentine out 2-3 weeks after undergoing surgery Monday morning

As a battle against Okland University looms on Tuesday for No. 1 ranked MSU, the team got dealt some devastating news Sunday night and Monday morning with the loss of senior forward and captain Denzel Valentine for 2-3 weeks after undergoing surgery Monday morning.  MSU head basketball coach Tom Izzo said Valentine was injured in practice Sunday night night 

MEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU basketball bands together, remains unbeaten through tough stretch

It started with a thrilling 79-73 victory over Kansas in Champions Classic on Nov. 17 in Chicago. It continued with a three-game tournament crown in California during Thanksgiving weekend, and a down-to-the-wire 71-67 victory over Louisville three days after that. And on Saturday, the No. 1 MSU basketball team (11-0) completed one of the toughest stretches of non conference schedules in the country, with a 58-52 victory over the Florida Gators. "Right now, they're learning how to deal with so many things," Izzo said of playing through a tough schedule, among other things such as the team's No. 1 ranking and . "We've played an enormous amount of games in a short period of time.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Clark Jr. shows progress for MSU basketball as he returns from foot injury

As fast of a start the undefeated and No. 1 MSU basketball team has gotten off to this season, it's been a bit of a slow one for MSU sophomore forward Marvin Clark Jr. After sitting out the first two games of the season while recovering from a foot surgery he had in September, Clark has struggled to get back to shape he was in last season. But his recent play has showed promise.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

No. 1 MSU basketball wins big against Maryland Eastern Shore

The No. 1 MSU basketball team defeated the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks Wednesday night at Breslin Center, 78-35. The Spartans are now 10-0 on the season. Senior MSU guard Bryn Forbes finished with 14 points, five assists and three rebounds while senior guard Denzel Valentine chipped in with 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.