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Lack of effort a key in one of the worst losses under Tom Izzo

John Neidhart

December 20, 2014

With senior forward Branden Dawson sitting out because of a fractured wrist, it was obvious that Michigan State was missing something in a 71-64 loss to Texas Southern. Beyond the absence of a veteran starter and a consistent rebounding threat in Dawson, MSU couldn’t find the energy to take care of business against a Southwestern Athletic Conference team that entered the game at 1-8 overall.

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Branden Dawson goes down with injury in MSU's win over Eastern Michigan

Omari Sankofa II

December 18, 2014

For roughly 25 minutes, the men's basketball team had a fully healthy squad for the first time all season.

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MSU defeats Eastern Michigan 66-46 despite Branden Dawson's injury

John Neidhart

December 18, 2014

After knocking off Big Ten foe Michigan on Dec. 9, upset-minded Eastern Michigan came to Breslin with the hopes of defeating another in-state power conference team. MSU needed some time to adjust to the Eastern 2-3 zone but eventually found its groove, pulling away for a 66-46 victory. EMU (8-2) caused early problems for the Spartan offense.

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After a long wait, Javon Bess is ready to make debut against Eastern Michigan

Omari Sankofa II

December 17, 2014

It's been a long time coming for Javon Bess, but the freshman guard will make his debut on Wednesday against Eastern Michigan. Bess, a Yahoo! Sports three-star recruit who has been described as a "diamond in the rough" by head coach Tom Izzo, was a potential starter before undergoing surgery on his right foot in late October.

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MSU defeats Oakland 87-61

Omari Sankofa II

December 14, 2014

With the game well in hand early in the second half, the biggest story of the night became whether or not senior forward Branden Dawson would score his 1000th career point at MSU.

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Hot shooting a key in MSU basketball's win over Oakland

John Neidhart

December 14, 2014

Efficient shooting has been the story of the men's basketball team through ten games, and the nation’s top three-point shooting team did what it does best to storm past Oakland. As team, MSU (7-3) shot over 55 percent from the field and just under 59 percent from three-point range, making 10-of-17 threes in an 87-61 victory over the visiting Golden Grizzlies.

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Bryn Forbes has been on fire offensively for MSU, but defense still a work in progress

Omari Sankofa II

December 6, 2014

Bryn Forbes has been on fire for the men's basketball team over the last couple weeks, but head coach Tom Izzo isn't entirely satisfied with his overall performance on the court. A few days after scoring 18 points on 7-of-7 shooting from the floor Wednesday against Notre Dame, Forbes scored 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting on Saturday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

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Men's basketball falls to Notre Dame in overtime, 79-78

Omari Sankofa II

December 3, 2014

Clutch play by junior guard Denzel Valentine could save the Spartans (5-3 overall) from falling to Notre Dame (7-1 overall) 79-78 in overtime in the ACC/Big Ten challenge Wednesday night. The Fighting Irish were led by senior guard Jerian Grant, who had 27 points and six assists.

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Sophomore guard Alvin Ellis III could return to lineup for men's basketball on Wednesday against Notre Dame

Omari Sankofa II

December 2, 2014

Sophomore guard Alvin Ellis III, who sprained his ankle in the opener against Navy, practiced on Monday and will likely see playing time in the ACC/Big Ten challenge on Wednesday, in which No. 19 MSU will take on Notre Dame.

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Men's basketball can't overcome foul trouble, cold shooting in Orlando Classic championship game, falling to Kansas 61-56

Omari Sankofa II

November 30, 2014

Cold shooting in the second half doomed the men's basketball team in the Orlando Classic championship game. Behind 19 points and nine rebounds from junior forward Perry Ellis, No. 11 Kansas (5-1 overall) defeated the No. 20 Spartans (5-2 overall) 61-56 in Kissimmee, Florida.

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Valentine's big night helps men's basketball defeat Marquette to advance to Orlando Classic title game against Kansas

Omari Sankofa II

November 28, 2014

Marquette gave the men's basketball team everything they could handle on Friday night, but Marquette ultimately couldn't overcome a career night from Denzel Valentine.

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Men's basketball defeats Rider, 77-45, to advance to Orlando Classic semifinals

John Neidhart

November 27, 2014

The men's basketball team took care of business on Thanksgiving day, defeating Rider 77-45 to advance to the semifinal round of the Orlando Classic.

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

Robert Bondy

November 24, 2014

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.

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Marvin Clark steps up for men's basketball in win over Santa Clara, 79-52

John Neidhart

November 24, 2014

In his first start at MSU, freshman forward Marvin Clark Jr. took full advantage of his opportunity.

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Increased role for big men on offense pays dividends for men's basketball against Loyola Chicago

Jonathon Chun

November 21, 2014

There was some speculation coming into the season on whether junior Matt Costello and sophomore Gavin Schilling could carry the load for MSU's big men. On Friday night, the Spartans were adamant about getting the ball in the paint through both players.

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Men's basketball returns home, defeats Loyola Chicago 87-52

Omari Sankofa II

November 21, 2014

The No. 19 men's basketball team bounced back from a 10-point loss against No. 4 Duke on Tuesday with an 87-52 home victory over Loyola Chicago Friday night.  Five Spartans reached double figure, led by senior forward Branden Dawson who had 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists, and freshman forward Marvin Clark Jr.

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Izzo and Mark Dantonio have developed a close friendship

Geoff Preston

November 21, 2014

It’s not common for programs to have the success in both basketball and football that MSU has had, which makes it even less common for the two coaches of those teams to be as close as Tom Izzo and Mark Dantonio have become over the years.

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Revelry after basketball losses has always angered Tom Izzo

AJ Moser

November 21, 2014

March 27, 1999, will be remembered as one of the most disheartening nights for Spartan basketball. MSU was in the Final Four of the NCAA semifinals for the first time since their national championship in 1979, and lost to the No.

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One man's legacy

Omari Sankofa II

November 21, 2014

Men's basketball head coach Tom Izzo began his time with the Spartans 20 years ago. In this time, the program has had six Final Four appearances, 17 consecutive NCAA berths, an NCAA championship and much more. 

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MSU hangs tough, but can't overcome Duke in Champions Classic, falling 81-71

Troy Jefferson

November 18, 2014

Fouls and free throws were enough to sink the Spartans chances of bringing home a signature early season win.