Spartans Bounce Back With 66-60 Home Win Over Penn St.

Michigan State's Men's Basketball team scrapped to a much needed home win in Big Ten play this evening, defeating Penn State 66-60. Forwards Brandon Dawson and Gavin Schilling both led the front-court battle, both tallying double-doubles. Dawson finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds while Schilling had 11 points and 10 boards. MSU displayed a balanced offensive attack as five players racked up double digit points. Denzel Valentine had 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Matt Costello and Travis Trice each had 10 points.

The Spartans jumped out of the gate quickly, finding Dawson on a back door, alley-oop dunk to open the game, eventually building an early 10-2 lead just under 8 minutes in. Penn State marched right back, led by D.J. Newbill and his game high 27 points. The Nittany Lions brought to within two points at the half, when MSU held a 30-28 lead. Penn State would keep it just as close, eventually tying the game 37-37 with 12:12 left in the second half.

But, MSU would never trail in this one. Bryn Forbes came off the bench and drained three big 3-point baskets down the stretch, keeping his season-long shooting streak alive. His bucket at the 3:25 mark put the Spartans up 57-51.Dawson followed with a steal and a block in the following two defensive series, helping MSU to an eight point lead with 2:41 to go. Free throws down the stretch sealed the victory for Michigan State.

The loss keeps Penn State(12-7, 0-6) without a win in conference play, while MSU improves to 13-6 overall, 4-2 in Big Ten play. The Spartans now hit the road for a Saturday contest against Nebraska(11-7, 3-3). Coverage begins at 3:00 PM on Lansing's Big Talker 1240 WJIM-AM and Classic Rock 94.9 WMMQ. Tipoff is at 4:00 PM.