Rising Star: Michigan State Guard Gary Harris
The Big Ten's Freshman of the Year last season is averaging 17.9 points per game (second in the conference), 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and two steals for the 22-6 Spartans.
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The Big Ten's Freshman of the Year last season is averaging 17.9 points per game (second in the conference), 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and two steals for the 22-6 Spartans.
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Relevant on a national scale, the Wolverines look even stronger in their own state.
Even Tom Izzo found it fitting that the lights suddenly turned off during his post-game press conference.
Nik Stauskas scored 21 of his 25 points in the second half, and No. 20 Michigan beat No. 13 Michigan State 79-70 on Sunday to take over first place in the Big Ten.
The same duo whose presence made Michigan State a Final Four contender now faces limitations that could derail the team's tournament hopes.
Adreian Payne had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and No. 9 Michigan State cruised past Northwestern 85-70 on Thursday night to stay tied atop the Big Ten.
While hosting Northwestern might seem like an ideal opportunity for the Spartans to get back on track, Tom Izzo is wary of the Wildcats.
Now the ball's in your court, Sparty.
Keith Appling could miss a couple weeks for No. 9 Michigan State because of a right wrist injury.
Adreian Payne scored 12 points in his return from a foot injury, and No. 9 Michigan State kept pace atop the Big Ten with an 82-67 victory over Penn State on Thursday night.
This was just the second meeting ever between the schools with Michigan State winning the other in the second round of the 1986 NCAA tournament.
The Spartans continue through a tough stretch of games without Adreian Payne. "We've just got to move on," Izzo said Monday.
A home loss to Michigan State's biggest rival, with first place on the line? That was painful enough, and Izzo took a softer approach.
Nik Stauskas made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 3:12 left and finished with 19 points and freshman Derrick Walton Jr. scored a season-high 19, lifting No. 21 Michigan to an 80-75 win over No. 3 Michigan State on Saturday night to remain the only Big Ten team without a conference loss.
Both Michigan and Michigan State have proven they can play well while short-handed - and each team should have more than enough adrenaline to put forth an inspired performance this weekend.
Coach Beilein said he knows the Wolverines need some extra toughness down the stretch to have a chance Saturday in Breslin Center,
Michigan State's latest film session was a major flop.
Gary Harris scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half, helping No. 3 Michigan State beat Indiana 71-66 on Tuesday night to remain unbeaten in the Big Ten.
To Tom Izzo, teams would be remiss to discount Indiana just because it lost to Northwestern after pulling off a dramatic upset of Wisconsin.
Michigan State probably will not have one of its best players in the lineup against Indiana.
Gary Harris scored 23 points and Denzel Valentine pulled down 11 rebounds to lead No. 4 Michigan State past Illinois 78-62 on Saturday.
Adreian Payne remains sidelined for No. 4 Michigan State because of a sprained right foot.
Gary Harris scored 14 points and No. 4 Michigan State beat Northwestern 54-40 on Wednesday night for its ninth straight win.
If you look at the AP Top 25 poll, you'll see eight different conferences represented among the top 10.
