No. 8 Michigan State Spartans continued their impressive streak as they defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 81-74 at the iconic Madison Square Garden on Saturday, January 20, 2024. This marked their 12th consecutive victory, improving their Big Ten record to 8-0 and solidifying their position at the top of the conference standings.
The game, which attracted significant attention and was held before approximately 17,480 spectators, showcased the Spartans’ depth and resilience against a Rutgers team hindered by injuries. Jase Richardson emerged as the standout performer for MSU, pouring in a career-high 20 points and providing four rebounds. Meanwhile, Coen Carr made his presence felt with 14 points and eight rebounds, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
Michigan State demonstrated efficient shooting, finishing the game with 48.2% from the field and exerting dominance on the boards with a 44-34 advantage. The Spartans’ knack for success continued as they also showcased strong free-throw shooting, going 22-for-26 from the line. This accurate shooting at the charity stripe was particularly clutch, as they made all their attempts during the game’s final stages to seal the victory.
Initially, the Scarlet Knights displayed promise as they jumped to an early 10-3 lead, fueled by their aggressive playstyle and the raucous support from their fans. A quick run by Michigan State soon turned the tide, with the Spartans transitioning from behind to establish control with a 16-1 scoring run. Carr played a pivotal role during this stretch, attacking the basket ferociously and securing points during moments of pressure.
Rutgers made notable attempts to stay competitive, with Jordan Derkack leading their charge by scoring 26 points. Coach Steve Pikiell praised his players’ effort but acknowledged their injury struggles: "I’m proud of our guys’ effort. We are banged up right now," he stated following the game.
The game’s intensity ramped up as the second half began, with both teams battling fiercely for position. Ace Bailey, serving as the Scarlet Knights’ bright spot, faced tough defense from the Spartans all day. Although he managed to finish with 18 points and nine rebounds, his performance was marred by shooting struggles, completing just 4-of-17 attempts from the field.
On the Michigan State side, the depth of the squad proved invaluable as ten players managed to score at least two points. This collective effort reflects the team’s cohesion under long-time head coach Tom Izzo, who is now just three wins away from breaking Bob Knight’s all-time Big Ten record of 353 victories.
The electric atmosphere within Madison Square Garden was not lost on the players. "Playing at MSG today was really cool for me. It was a great experience," said Derkack, highlighting the vibrant support from Rutgers fans, who made their presence felt throughout the arena.
Despite aggressive pushes from Rutgers, particularly late-game efforts to capitalize on Spartan turnovers, Michigan State managed to maintain composure and showcased their resilience even when the Scarlet Knights closed the gap to as few as six points late. A notable moment included quick three-pointers from Derkack, but the Spartans countered effectively, hitting free throws to enforce their lead.
Looking back at the key players, Richardson’s timely jump shots and Carr’s versatile play on defense highlighted Michigan State's capabilities as they aim for continued success this season. Despite some variables, including earlier reported injuries for players like Rutgers' Dylan Harper, who played only limited minutes, Michigan State excelled through collective effort, showing no signs of slowing down.
Following this victory, Michigan State finds itself bolstered by their current form and morale, and they are set to face Minnesota next Tuesday at the Breslin Center. For Rutgers, the path is nearly as steep, as they hope to gather momentum against Northwestern on the road. Pikiell, with evident confidence, remarked, "We're close," as he acknowledged the potential for growth among his players when they return to full health.