Michigan State basketball: Protecting the ball against Penn State is press key

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EAST LANSING – Tom Izzo’s consternation for more than a month over Michigan State basketball’s growing number of turnovers came to a head Sunday against a gritty and veteran Northwestern defense.

The mistakes ultimately did not prove costly. But he understands that the No. 12 Spartans face a much more daunting duty to protect the ball this week.

Because Penn State with its full-court press is even better at forcing turnovers than the Wildcats’ defense.

“They’re going to create some problems for us, and we have to make sure we match up and realize what’s gotten us here,” Izzo said Monday. “What’s gotten us here is attention to detail with our scouting and players starting to learn how to take that into the game. What’s gotten us here is unselfish play and our strength in numbers. What’s gotten us here has been players helping players.

“So the beat goes on.”

Jan 12, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Spartans (14-2, 5-0 Big Ten) ride a nine-game win streak into Wednesday’s matchup against the Nittany Lions (12-5, 2-4), their first of two straight home games at Breslin Center. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network.

Coach Mike Rhoades’ swarming defense has PSU ranked 11th in the nation in turnovers forced at 16.41 per game and 16th nationally in turnover margin at plus-4.8. His team is the best in conference play at 9.3 steals per game.

The Nittany Lions’ stinginess starts with reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year Ace Baldwin Jr., who followed Rhoades from VCU to State College a year ago and is tied for fifth in the league at 2.0 steals per game this season.

The question is whether the 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior will play after sitting out PSU’s thrilling 82-81 home loss to No. 14 Oregon on Sunday. Baldwin injured his back a week ago early in a blowout road loss at…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-state-basketball-protecting-ball-110744364.html

Author : Detroit Free Press

Publish date : 2025-01-15 11:07:00

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