Phew! That was a nail-biter!
Michigan State men’s basketball managed to clinch a tight victory over Maryland in the closing seconds. In the waning moments, sophomore guard Tre Holloman’s crucial defensive play, swatting the ball away from Maryland’s Jahmir Young, secured the Spartans’ 61-59 win in College Park.
The intensity escalated after senior guard Tyson Walker drained a critical 3-pointer with 44 seconds left, giving MSU a four-point lead. However, Young responded with a 2-point jumper to keep the Terrapins in the game. In the final sequence, Holloman’s defensive effort denied Maryland a chance to tie or win as the clock ran out.
While the first half saw Michigan State dominate with a 17-1 run and a 44-32 lead at halftime, the second half presented a different story, leading to five notable observations.
1. Offensive Struggles in the Second Half:
Michigan State’s offensive prowess dwindled in the second half. After an impressive first half performance, the Spartans struggled, scoring only six points in the initial 12 minutes. This allowed Maryland to stage a comeback and briefly take the lead. The game turned into a defensive battle, and MSU managed to escape with a victory, scoring just 17 points in the second half.
2. Terps Exploit Defensive Gameplan:
Maryland capitalized on Michigan State’s defensive strategy. Despite being the Big Ten’s weakest 3-point shooting team, the Terps shot 36% from beyond the arc (8-for-22), surprising MSU. The Spartans played off Maryland’s shooters, but the Terrapins seized the opportunity, sinking crucial shots from outside.
3. Balanced Scoring for MSU:
With Walker facing offensive struggles, Michigan State relied on a collective effort for scoring. Malik Hall and Tre Holloman played pivotal roles, with Hall contributing 12 points and Holloman efficiently scoring 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting. A.J. Hoggard and Tyson Walker closed the deal down the stretch, despite some challenges on the offensive end.
4. Rebounding Woes Return:
After showing improvement in rebounding since the early season, Michigan State faced a setback against Maryland. The Terrapins dominated the boards with a 37-22 rebounding edge, including nine offensive rebounds leading to 10 second-chance points. Despite late-game efforts, rebounding became a concern for the Spartans.
5. Positive Minutes from Jaxon Kohler:
Jaxon Kohler, gradually returning to the rotation, displayed promising moments in the first half. His energetic two-minute stretch showcased defensive prowess, shot-blocking, and offensive skills. Although he didn’t play in the second half, Kohler’s performance provided encouragement for his potential impact moving forward.
