Quick thoughts about a 64-58 loss in Michigan:
How did this happen: Indiana was aggressive from the start in East Lansing. Rob Phinisee, who has been inconsistent for most of the season, attacked in the dribble and also hit the ball in the only 3-point basket in the first half for the Hoosiers. But in a game that both teams needed to obtain for NCAA tournament purposes, it was an offensive fight. Indiana and Michigan State combined 13 shots and hits on 16 of 51 pitches. There were 19 fouls scored in the first half. In the interval, both teams had won just 26 points each, with 0.81 points for possession.
Fouls continued to increase at the start of the second half. Until the time limit of the sub 16 media, Hoosiers and Spartans were tied at 31, but eight fouls had already been whistled in the first 4:04. Indiana entered the bonus at the 14:55 mark and Michigan State was just behind at the 14:17 mark. Indiana opened a five-point lead on a 3-point Phinisee at the 12:46 mark. But the Spartans reduced the lead to three in the next possession after Marcus Bingham’s dunk just before the media’s time limit for children under 12. Michigan State then regained the lead in consecutive buckets from Gabe Brown, who placed the Spartans at 42-39. The offensive flow increased before the media break for children under eight, while teams traded buckets for several consecutive possessions. By the 6:47 mark, Michigan State led 48-47 in a shot from Joey Hauser.
Michigan State led 53-51 in the final media timeout after a jump stop and bucket from Henry, who had 18 points in the second half. The Spartans increased the lead to four in 56-52 in a 3-pointer from Henry and then stole from Henry and asked for a time limit of 1:31 to play. Henry scored again with 1:15 to play to give Michigan State a six point advantage. Indiana did not challenge the rest of the way and gave up on his fourth run in a row.
Featured Performer: Phinisee did not shoot well, but he filled the stats sheet with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 34 minutes.
Stunning statistics: It was another dominant performance for Henry, who finished with 22 points. Henry scored 12 points in the final 4:34 of the game.
Final individual UI statistics:
Final statistics without pace:
Assembly Call Postgame Show:
(Photo: IU Athletics)
Filed for: Michigan State Spartans