Filed under: Michigan State, South Carolina, Big Ten, SEC
Michigan State led throughout the overwhelming majority of the game, but feisty South Carolina wouldn't go away. Despite a 17-point halftime lead, the Spartans were only able to stave off the Gamecocks 82-73. The deficit for South Carolina hovered in the teens throughout most of the second half, but it was trimmed progressively down to six with 2:12 remaining. Free throws and a big 3-pointer from Austin Thornton helped Michigan State stay in a comfort zone. Senior guard Durrell Summers was the best player on the floor, scoring 22 points and adding six rebounds. He was active and energetic, showing off his immense jumping ability on several occasions.
In a scare unrelated to the scoreboard, Summers' fellow senior, Kalin Lucas, turned his left ankle with 10:13 left in the second half. He missed the remainder of the NCAA tournament last season after rupturing the Achilles tendon in his left leg during Round 2. He laid on the floor temporarily while the crowd chanted his name and coach Tom Izzo noticeably worried. Lucas did miss just a few trips down the floor before checking back in. On the floor, the 2008 Big Ten Player of the Year wasn't himself, however. He scored just five points on 2 of 9 shooting. He did have seven assists, but also three turnovers.
Forwards Draymond Green and Delvon Roe contributed solid games for the Spartans to complement Summers. Green had 18 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and a pair of blocks while Roe added 15 points and six boards. Freshman center Adreian Payne pulled down eight rebounds himself.
Where Michigan State (2-0) really struggled was at the free throw line, where the Spartans hit just 17 of 34 attempts.
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