Michigan State played like a Big Ten title contender, and Penn State played like a team trying to figure things out.
This combination led to Sparty pounding Penn State Thursday night in East Lansing.
Five Michigan State players hit double figures, led by Malik Hall (24 points) and Tyson Walker (22).
Michigan State (9-5, 1-2), got off to a hot start, scoring the first six points of the game and leading 11-6 at the first media timeout.
At the U12 timeout, despite a three by Penn State’s (7-7, 1-2) Zach Hicks, Michigan State remained in control with an 18-12 lead.
Coming out of that media timeout, Michigan State heated up, going on a 7-0 run and forcing Penn State coach Mike Rhoades to take a timeout. That timeout didn’t stop Michigan State, which went into the third media timeout of the first half leading 33-16. At this point, Michigan State was shooting 65% from the field. Penn State, on the other hand, was 5-for-16.
Michigan State led 51-26 at the half and never looked back. Malik Hall had 15 points and made all six of his shots in the first half. Tyson Walker had 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting.
Penn State will look to get right Sunday at Philly’s historic Palestra against Michigan. Tip-off is scheduled for noon.
