Final
Michigan State avoids upset in Annapolis
Nov 15, 2014 - 1:33 PM Annapolis, MD (SportsNetwork.com) - Michigan State's decision to open its season on the road against Navy almost backfired, but the 18th-ranked Spartans held off the Midshipmen and escaped Alumni Hall with a 64-59 win on Friday.The Veterans Classic was competitive throughout despite the Midshipmen being picked by many pundits to finish last in the Patriot League.
Travis Trice connected on five 3-pointers en route to a 25-point night for the Spartans (1-0), who are tying to fill the void left by star seniors Gary Harris, Adreian Payne and Keith Appling.
Branden Dawson did his part with 12 points and eight rebounds, but MSU committed 15 turnovers and only got to the foul line 10 times -- twice over the first 37 minutes.
Edward Alade netted a team-high 12 points for the Midshipmen (0-1), who returned all five starters from last season's 9-21 club. Brandon Venturini added 11 points, five assists and five rebounds in the setback.
Navy won the only other meeting against MSU back in 1986 when David Robinson was the big man on campus in Annapolis.
Even without "The Admiral", Navy started strong and led 18-14 near the midway point of the opening half.
MSU countered with an 11-0 run and appeared ready to pull away after Trice connected on a pair of 3-pointers to open the second half.
The second triple gave the Spartans their biggest lead at 42-29, but Navy quickly responded with 10 straight points prior to the first official timeout.
After Jace Hogan's bucket inside had the Midshipmen within 44-43, the Spartans scored nine of the next 11 points to create some breathing room.
Navy never relented and cut the deficit to 60-57 following two Will Kelly free throws with 1:57 remaining.
Trice got a rainbow to fall on the ensuing possession, then hit a big free throw with 17.3 seconds remaining to make it a 63-59 game.
Venturini missed a straightaway 3-point try at the other end, and MSU held on from there.
Game Notes
This was the first time an active member of the Big Ten played at Navy since Ohio State made a visit on Feb. 6, 1932 ... Michigan State won 29 games last season and reached the Elite Eight before falling to eventual-champion Connecticut ... The Spartans play No. 4 Duke on Tuesday.
- MICHIGAN STATE: 64
NAVY: 59
Final
Nov 14 11:46 PM - MICHIGAN STATE: 36
NAVY: 29
Halftime
Nov 14 10:33 PM
Related News
- 3 Likes And 3 Dislikes: MSU Tramples Stony Brook, 99-55 Dec 22
- Michigan State Dominates Stony Brook: Post Game Grades for The Spartans Dec 21
- GAME THREAD: Michigan State vs Stony Brook - Men’s Basketball Dec 21
- Women’s Basketball Riding Wave Into Cherokee Invitational Championship Dec 21
- Michigan State Beats Oakland: Post Game Grades for The Spartans Dec 18
- GAME THREAD: Michigan State vs Oakland - Men’s Basketball Dec 18
- MSU Makes A Statement Against Baylor Dec 17
- Michigan State Beats Baylor: Post Game Grades for The Spartans Dec 16
- GAME THREAD: Michigan State vs Baylor - Men’s Basketball Dec 16
- How to Watch Michigan State vs Baylor - TV, Quick Facts and Prediction Dec 15
- BBD’s 3pt Shot: Michigan State lost to Nebraska, Panic Should be in the Air Even as They Try a New Lineup Dec 11
- Michigan State Loses to Nebraska: Post Game Grades for The Spartans Dec 11