East Lansing, MI: Throughout this hard-fought Big 10 Showdown, The No.12 Michigan State Spartans reign victorious over the Penn State Lions, with a close score of 90-85. Penn State’s Adrian Baldwin Jr played an excellent game for the Nittany Lions, recording a team high 20 points. Unfortunately, that was not enough for the Penn State; as Michigan State’s Frankie Fidler led the Spartans with a season-high of 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
🏀 18 points
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) January 16, 2025
🏀 7 rebounds
🏀 2 assists
Frankie Fidler led @MSU_Basketball in scoring to help the Spartans stay undefeated in conference play 🙌#B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/pePMZL54Tt
Guard Ace Baldwin Jr. and D’Marcon Dunn shined offensively for Penn State, as Baldwin Jr. had 20 points, nine assists, and three rebounds. Dunn recorded 18 points, two assists, and five rebounds. Despite their aggression, the Lions fell under pressure from the Spartans’ defensive tactics. Penn State fell victim to 14 turnovers, which Michigan State capitalized on for an extra 27 points.
By halftime, the Spartans built a 10-point lead (46-36) over the Lions. That immense lead did not last long as Penn State continued to battle, cutting the lead to two early in the second half. Michigan State of course, answered with essential plays such as Fidler’s three-point shot late in the game. While Fidler was crucial to MSU’s victory, Guard Jaden Atkins recorded 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Atkins also knocked down a game sealing three-pointer that helped to extend the lead for the Spartans late.
Last night’s victory marked the 10th consecutive win for Michigan State. Tom Izzo’s squad is now 15-2 overall and 6-0 in the Big 10 Conference. The Spartans are looking to continue their winning streak as they play No.19 Illinois on Sunday, January 19 in another Big 10 matchup. Tip off is slated for 12:00 P.M. EST. As for Penn State, the Nittany Lions have now dropped four consecutive games, as they fall to 9-8 (2-5 Conf) in the bottom tier of a very strong Big 10. The Nittany Lions will face off against Rutgers on Monday, January 20, with a 6:30 P.M. tip.
Cover Photo Credits: Michigan St Athletics
