Quick thoughts on a 64-58 loss in Michigan State:
How it happened: Indiana was aggressive outside the gate in East Lansing. Rob Phinisee, who was unstable for most of the season, attacked the dribble and also splashed the only 3 points of the first half for the Hoosiers. But in a game that both teams had to get for the NCAA Tournament, it was offensively a battle. Indiana and the state of Michigan jointly generated 13 turnovers and shot 16-of-51 from the field. 19 offenses were pronounced in the first half. At halftime, both teams amassed just 26 points each at 0.81 points per possession.
The errors increased at the beginning of the second half. By the minor media break of 16, the Hoosiers and Spartans were tied at 31, but eight offenses were already whistled in the first 4:04. Indiana clinched the bonus at 14:55 and Michigan State was right behind at 14:14. Indiana opened a five-point lead over a Phinisee three-pointer at 12:46. But the Spartans cut the lead to three in the next possession on a setback by Marcus Bingham just before the media break under 12. The state of Michigan then regains the lead on Gabe Brown’s rugby bags, leaving the Spartans 42-39 lead it. The offensive flow increased below eight before the media countdown, as the teams traded buckets on several consecutive possessions. At 6:47, Michigan State led 48-47 on a Joey Hauser jump shot.
The state of Michigan led 53-51 on the final media countout after a springstop and bucket by Henry, who had 18 second-half points. The Spartans extended the lead to 56-52 at four on a three-man header from Henry and then got a steal from Henry and a timeout with 1:31 to play. Henry again scored with 1:15 to play to give Michigan State a six-point lead. Indiana did not challenge the rest of the challenge, dropping its fourth game on the standings.
Outstanding: Phinisee did not shoot well, but filled the stat sheet in 34 minutes with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Statistics that stand out: It was another dominant performance for Henry, who finished with 22 points. Henry scored 12 points in the last 4:34 of the game.
Final IU Individual Statistics:
Final tempo-free stats:
Meeting Call Postgame Show:
(Photo credit: IU Athletics)
Filed To: Michigan State Spartans