Spartans snatch Big Ten title after beating up on Wolverines
Staff Writer
EAST LANSING— Tom Izzo and Raymar Morgan were able to look up and watch the newest banner to be raised at the Breslin Center. Their Michigan State Spartans claimed one-third of the Big Ten regular season title following an easy 64-48 win over in-state rival-Michigan. The victory makes the Spartans (24-7, 14-4) a No. 3 seed in this week’s Big Ten tournament behind Purdue and Ohio State. Michigan (14-16, 7-11) will be an eight seed and face Iowa on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Michigan State established its lead leading after a 13-8 start early in the game. Delvon Roe and Morgan combined for a 12-0 run. Morgan brought the house down with a fast-break dunk. After Michigan scored quick five-points off a three-pointer and offensive goaltending call, Morgan stepped up. He fought for a ball and threw down Laval-Lucas Perry in the process, setting the tone for the rest of the game: Michigan wouldn’t put up a fight. Morgan proceeded in stealing the next inbounds pass. He drove in, got fouled, made the lay-up and the point after. By halftime the game was all but over. Michigan State was clinging to a 32-14 lead. It was the lowest point total by any team in the Big Ten at halftime this year. “It was over real early,” said Michigan coach John Beilein. “That’s really disappointing.” Michigan State got it done inside, while the Wolverines couldn’t knock down a three. The Spartans had 22 points in the paint by the half to Michigan’s four. Michigan was busy shooting three’s, 1-11 at the half. If there was any life left in Michigan following the halftime, it didn’t last. The Spartans went out to a 10-0 run, putting the Wolverines down 42-14. The quick spurt following halftime started up East Lansing’s second straight Big Ten Title celebration. “It was disappointing,” Michigan forward Zack Novak agreed. “Even more disappointing was the first four minutes of the second half.” The rest of the way was filled with songs and dance carried out by the students and fans of Michigan State. Chants of “Little Sister,” followed as well as “Just like Football,” signs flew up from the Izzone (student section). Michigan knows it has to regroup – and quickly. It needs to win the Big Ten tournament to qualify for the NCAA tournament. “We’re going to give it our all at the Big Ten tourney,” said Manny Harris, who had a rough day shooting. He was 1-10 from the field and only scoring three points. He averages 17.7 a game, leading the team. Deshawn Sims averages 16.9 points, but only managed to score nine. “Our shots weren’t dropping,” said Sims. “They haven’t been all season.” Michigan shot 4-21 from behind the arc. On the other end of the court things were much more enjoyable. Senior Day was eventful for two players especially. Isaiah Dahlman and Morgan had memorable moments in their last game at the Breslin Center. Morgan had a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds and one of his two assists was a special one. He stole the ball and lofted up a pass for Dahlman who threw down a dunk that finished a 10-0 run and forced Michigan to call a timeout. The play brought the crowd up off the seats and Dahlman – who has spent most of his career riding the bench – ran and jumped into Morgan’s arms for a long hug. Morgan and Dahlman were able to watch the Big Ten Championship 2010 banner be raised after their last home game. They cut down the net and held up the Big Ten trophy. “Raymar said he left here a better man,” said Izzo. “That’s all that matters to me.”
