Senior transfer Brandon Wood did his job well during one year at Michigan State

 Photo: Flickr Creative Commons -- Senior transfer Brandon Wood probably didn't get the credit he deserved this year, but he was an effective player, nonetheless. He performed well during one year with Michigan State.


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Expectations were high for Brandon Wood. But he lived up to them.

The senior transfer from Valparaiso had never played in the Big Ten, or major college conference, prior to joining the Michigan State Spartans for the 2011-12 season. He had lit up the scoreboard while in the Horizon League with Valpo, averaging 17 points per game over a two-year span.

Although his numbers at Michigan State were down when compared to his numbers at Valpo, Wood played well for the Spartans, helping to lead them to a Sweet 16—their 10th under coach Tom Izzo.

Wood averaged 8.8 points per game, an average that doesn't immediately suggest he was all that effective. However, he unleashed his true scoring ability in March and in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, a stage he said he wanted to play on; hence, he transferred to a program that dances each March.

Against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game, Wood had his finest game with Michigan State. He shot 8-for-14 from the floor and scored 21 points in the Spartans' 68-64 victory. Although he shot just 1-for-4 from the line, his accuracy from the field and 21 points more than made up for it.

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Sure, Wood was a bit up-and-down. But again, keep in mind the transition from the Horizon League to the Big Ten is a large one. I anticipated 8-10 points per game from him, figuring they would be enough to keep him on the floor with steady minutes.

A seven-point performance in the tournament-opener against LIU-Brooklyn left a little to be desired. But Wood followed with 10 points in the Spartans' hard-fought victory over St. Louis in the Round of 32.

He was one of the lone bright spots in the Spartans' 57-44 Sweet 16 loss to Louisville, which featured a defense that led it to the Final Four. Michigan State couldn't get production from anyone, but Wood, new to the March Madness that surrounded him, shot 5-for-8 from the floor and scored 14 points in 31 minutes. He and Draymond Green were the only two Spartans in double-figures.

Particularly impressive were his two standout games against Duke and Florida State, both of which made the tournament and were two of the strongest teams in the ACC. Wood scored 15 in a 74-69 loss to then sixth-ranked Duke, adding 16 two weeks later in a 65-49 victory over Florida State.

When the Spartans needed a boost, Wood came through. With Green dominating nearly every game, or nights when Keith Appling let loose, Wood blended in. But when others had off-shooting nights, or the Spartans needed a shot from the wing, Wood was a player that could be counted on, despite an inconsistent, but efficient year.

However, don't get caught up by looking at scoring stats alone (he was a decent facilitator, too). Wood's maturity, experience and leadership qualities probably didn't get enough press. Those were his best attributes. It helped having another level-headed veteran to complement Green and Austin Thornton.

Michigan State Spartans should continue to work Derrick Nix into game plan next season

Photo: Associated Press -- Derrick Nix was a valuable contributor for the Michigan State Spartans this season. He should continue to be valuable next season if the Spartans stay committed to an inside game.



By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Derrick Nix was a key to the Michigan State Spartans' success this year, and he should be even more valuable next season.

The slimmed-down, 6-foot-9, 270-pound junior improved his overall game, but relied mostly on his sheer girth to power his way to baskets around the rim. Nix, who played his prep ball at Detroit Pershing, helped re-establish a post game the Spartans lacked for years.

In the past, Nix appeared to play below his potential. He would get frustrated and put himself in foul trouble. But this season, Nix fouled out just once (74-69 loss to Duke) and demonstrated a matured comprehension of his role with the Spartans and improved understanding of the game in general.

Nix put up nearly eight points per game as the Spartans marched their way into the Sweet 16, more than doubling his average from his sophomore season of 2.7 points per game.

Nix's left-handed hook near the basket was the best weapon in his arsenal. However, he was able to attack the basket and rebound the ball with more authority, too.

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A main concern is consistency, though. While Nix quickly became a fan favorite this season, he didn't have the game most would have expected him to Thursday, when the Spartans fell 57-44 to the fourth-seeded Louisville Cardinals in a Sweet 16 battle in Phoenix.

Nix had four points and four rebounds in 19 minutes, but was a non-factor in the paint. The Cardinals became one of few teams to out-rebound the Spartans this year and seemingly eliminated any inside advantage the Spartans thought they had. Nix didn't have one foul Thursday. That could be viewed as disciplined play, but it could also suggest that Nix wasn't as aggressive as he should have been.

Typically a guard-driven offense, the Spartans greatly benefited from their inside game in 2011-12. Much of that success was due to Nix, who scored in double-figures 14 times, including a career-high 18 in the Spartans' 89-67 second-round tournament victory over LIU-Brooklyn.

He'll be a senior next season, and there are more guards on the way. However, the Spartans should remain committed to the inside game and further explore Nix's potential. He could become one of the most dominant big men in the Big Ten.

Follow Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

It's OK to project Michigan State Spartans to 2012 Final Four in New Orleans because they're capable of getting there

Photo: Associated Press -- Michigan State senior Draymond Green (left) congratulates teammate Brandon Wood after Sunday's 68-64 Big Ten Championship Game win over the Ohio State Buckeyes.


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

If you forecast the Michigan State Spartans in the 2011 Final Four, you may have been a bit on the optimistic side. Well, you were probably closer to delusional if you thought the Spartans were among the four best teams in the country a year ago. They were uncharacteristically bounced from the opening round by UCLA after struggling to secure a bid to March Madness—it wasn't Michigan State's finest season.
But this year is different.

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Whether you're a die-hard Spartans fan, or a college basketball expert, the 2012 Spartans appear as a championship-caliber team to an array of different fans and groups. And it's OK to project the Spartans to land in the 2012 Final Four in New Orleans because they are indeed one of the top four to five teams in the nation. ESPN's Hubert Davis sees the Spartans losing to North Carolina in the title game while his colleague, Digger Phelps, believes Michigan State will beat Kentucky for the championship.

The Spartans' past track record certainly suggests that they'll be a team to contend with during March Madness. They're fresh off a 68-64 conference title win over Ohio State. which they shared the Big Ten regular-season title with (and Michigan). The Spartans then earned a No. 1 seed in the West Region, played in Phoenix, because of their resume.

If Michigan State isn't primed for the tournament, I don't know what team is.

Michigan State boasts senior star Draymond Green, who won the Big Ten Player of the Year Award and is considered one of the best players in all of college basketball. Not since former Wake Forest star Tim Duncan in 1997 has a player from a major conference averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game. But Green did it this year.

In fact, other than Kansas' Thomas Robinson and Kentucky's Anthony Davis, there aren't many players with the ability or resume that Green possesses. That's a definite plus for a title-hungry team like the Spartans.

Review the Spartans' individual and team accomplishments thus far—it's perfectly logical to think that a team that played the toughest schedule, won arguably the most competitive conference's regular-season and tournament titles and boasts one of the nation's elite players could go all the way.

In 2010-11, just getting in the tournament and extending its 14 straight postseason appearances seemed to be good enough for Michigan State. However, this year's team isn't last year's Michigan State. It's a more cohesive unit capable of competing alongside the NCAA's best teams.

Take a quick glance at the West Region bracket. Though it is challenging, it's not too much to expect Michigan State to emerge from it. Yes, Missouri is a great team, and so are Marquette and Florida. St. Louis and Long Beach State are formidable adversaries, too.

Each of the aforementioned has its own particular strength. But Michigan State, although lacking a bit of depth, seems to be the most complete unit—one could argue that Missouri is—in the West. The Spartans have showed they can dictate the tempo of a game, go big or small, crash the boards and be successful under nearly any condition.

The Spartans have a strong corps of guards, led by Keith Appling and Brandon Wood. With both at their peaks, Michigan State could be a difficult team to defend off the dribble and from the perimeter.
Centers Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix each had respectable Big Ten Tournaments and possess the ability to control the offensive and defensive glass. Rebounding, as it has been in the past, is one of the Spartans' strength this season. They posted a Big Ten-best 38 boards per game, good for 26th nationally.

Of course, the past is the past. But if you're into coincidence, remember this: The last time the Spartans won the Big Ten Tournament, they won the national title (2000). Each of the previous three times the Spartans earned a No. 1 seed in The Big Dance, they went on to reach the Final Four (99-01). And they have this Izzo guy on the sideline—just food for thought.

Video: Big Ten Player of the Year Draymond Green highlight reel. 

Michigan State's Draymond Green wins Big Ten Player of the Year honors

Photo: MLive.com

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

It should come to no surprise that Draymond Green was named the Big Ten's Player of the Year.

The Michigan State Spartans' do-everything senior star led his team to a share of a regular-season conference title, scoring 15 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing three assists per game in the process. His presence alone was the key to the Spartans' success. For without Green, many viewed Michigan State as an average group in the Big Ten—but that's what a player of Green's caliber does: Makes his team better.

For the past two seasons, Green has shown that he was much more than an around-the-basket scorer, showcasing his 3-point prowess and ability to move the ball as well as any player his size in the country. At 6-foot-7, 230 pounds, Green played, at times, more like a point guard rather than a forward. His 17 double-doubles in Big Ten play only highlighted what was an incredible resume this season. However, an outright Big Ten title would have made it glow.

A year ago, the Spartans hobbled into March Madness, only to meet their demise in the first round by way of a loss to UCLA. But, because of Green, the Spartans rose to the top of the Big Ten standings this season and solidified themselves as a top 10 team in the nation.

A first-round loss doesn't appear to be in the cards for Michigan State (24-7, 13-5) this March. Most college basketball pundits feel Michigan State could make a run to, or past, the Sweet 16.
And again, that's due to Green.

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"He's the most versatile player maybe in America," said Spartans coach Tom Izzo, who was named the league's Coach of the Year. "He does as many things or more things than anybody I've seen in this league in a while."

Green became the seventh Spartans player to earn the Big Ten Player of the Year distinction, joining legends like Scott Skiles, Mateen Cleaves, Shawn Respert, Morris Peterson and Jay Vincent. Considering the aforementioned players' resumes, Green also put himself in the category of the historically great players to ever suit up in East Lansing.

While joining the ranks of the Spartans elite was certainly the icing on the cake, Green started the season with a more attainable goal: Winning conference player of the year honors. As a senior of his stature should, Green weighed his competition at the season's start.

"Coming into the season, being named Player of the Year was something that Coach Izzo and I had talked about, but everyone thought it would be Jared Sullinger," Green said in a statement. "Usually the best player on the best team gets a lot of publicity, and as we got better and started to win more games, I started getting thrown into that conversation.

"As my play started getting better, it became more of a realistic goal to have. It was a goal I set because I like to set goals, but it seemed so far out of reach coming into the season…"

While he was officially given the honor Monday, Green, for all intents and purposes, won the Player of the Year award two weeks ago. He was named the BBWA's Player of the Week and was fresh off a stellar performance in a 58-48 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. It was obvious he no longer had any competition in the race.

Green may not the be the "sexy" pick for the award. He may not be the flashiest, most exciting player to watch, either. But he is the most valuable to his team, and without a doubt the premier leader in the Big Ten—if not in the country. There aren't many players who can do what Green does physically, or mentally, for that matter. And for that, he's most deserving on the conference's crowning achievement.

Other Spartans honorees...

Senior Austin Thornton won the Big Ten's Sportsmanship Award.

Freshman Branden Dawson was named to the All-Freshman Team. 

Sophomore Keith Appling was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team.

Tom Izzo earned his third Big Ten Coach the Year Award, although, he says Tom Crean of Indiana, John Beilein of Michigan or Fran McCaffrey of Iowa were also deserving.

Michigan State's Derrick Nix refers to Michigan as 'Little Nephews;' comment good for rivalry

Photo: MLive.com


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Derrick Nix has hardly ever held back his emotions. But after a comment Sunday, Nix, unknowingly or not, set him self up to be a target. He'll have to shoulder more of the Spartans' load in the Big Ten Tournament in order to escape his latest hot sound bite.

Last season, Nix, who was then a sophomore, questioned his team's leadership under seniors Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers. He wasn't wrong to do so, but there is often a time and place for such comments.

And Sunday, after the Spartans' last-second 72-70 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, Nix again let his emotions take flight as he answered questions from reporters. Although the Spartans won the Big Ten regular-season title, they also had to share it with Ohio State… and Michigan, the Spartans' arch nemesis.

"It's real emotional because we're Big Ten champs, but at the same time, none of us are happy," Nix said Sunday. "And that shows what type of group of guys we've got. Because my freshman year (2010) we won and we shared, but everyone was happy. But we're not happy toward this one, just sharing it. That just comes with all the blood, sweat and tears we've put in, because this meant a lot to us and really meant a lot to our seniors."

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The Spartans gave up a 15-point lead to Ohio State, which was fueled by William Buford's spirited shooting performance. The Buckeyes senior scored a game-high 25 points, but that wasn't the worst part of Sunday's loss, Nix says—sharing the title with Michigan was.

"We had to share it with our little nephews, and that sucks," Nix said. "So now they're happy because we lost. We got to just try to win this Big Ten tournament."

Nix's "Little Nephews" comment was a derivative of former Wolverines football player Mike Hart's "Little Brother" comment a few years back. That comment was bulletin board material for the Spartans, who went on to beat UM four straight years on the field.

It's understandable that Nix was upset after Sunday's loss. In fact, one would expect—given Nix's track record—for him to say something along those lines. Now—and probably more so with the loss of freshman Branden Dawson—Nix will have to step up and help lead Michigan State.

If he does, the "Little Nephews" comment will be forgotten, likely considered a humorous point for the Spartans to talk about as they celebrate a tournament title. If Nix fails, and the Spartans lose, his comment could come back to haunt him as Hart's comment has seemingly haunted the Wolverines on the football field for the the past four years.

When it comes to Michigan-Michigan State, there are little, if any boundaries when it comes to "trash talk." Each side has thrown darts, but they've been confined more so to football than basketball. As co-champions, the Wolverines will likely look to make Nix eat his words.

Nix's comment is the fuel for the Wolverines. Not that they were in need of motivation, but it makes this year's Big Ten Tournament all the more personal for Michigan and Michigan State. It will also seep into the NCAA Tournament, as each team won't only compete against those in their regions, but against one 

another.

As if March Madness couldn't get any "madder," enter Nix's "Little Nephews" sentiment. It's good for the Spartans and good for the Big Ten. But it's great for fans on both sides.

Michigan State Spartans lose Branden Dawson for season during loss to Ohio State

Photo from MLive.com


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

An outright Big Ten Conference championship wasn't the only thing the Michigan State Spartans lost Sunday, they also lost a key contributor in freshman Branden Dawson.

Dawson fell with an apparent knee injury about 10 minutes into the Spartans' 72-70 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, a loss which created a three-way tie with Michigan and Ohio State for Big Ten regular-season bragging rights. Not to return to the game, it was later reported that Dawson, a 6-foot-5 physical scorer, suffered an ACL injury and would be lost for the remainder of the year.

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Former Spartans standout Delvon Roe was at the Breslin Center on Sunday for Senior Day, celebrating his injury-shortened career with the class he entered East Lansing with. Somewhat of an expert on knee injuries, Roe says he immediately knew Dawson was in trouble as he writhed in pain on the floor.

"I knew exactly what it was when I saw it," said Roe, who "retired" from college basketball due to chronic knee issues. "I'm very familiar with that. I had a pretty good idea what it was when he went (down)."

Dawson scored four points in seven minutes played Sunday. His scoring ability, although erratic at times, will be sorely missed as the Spartans head into the NCAA Tournament. He scored in double-figures 12 times this season, including a 10-point showing in his collegiate debut in a 67-55 loss to then top-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels aboard the USS Carl Vinson near San Diego.

Spartans senior Draymond Green remembers his team's run to the 2010 Final Four without Kalin Lucas, who was the team's leader. Although Dawson is talented and a vital piece to the rotation, his absence likely won't hit the Spartans as hard as Lucas' did. If the Spartans were able to make it without one of their best players, they should be able to do so without Dawson in the fold.

"In 2010, we lost our best player (Kalin Lucas) and were able to reach the Final Four while losing our best player in the second round," said Green, who had 19 point and 12 rebounds Sunday. "So it wouldn't be the end of the world. It would be a tough loss for us. If somebody goes down, that's someone else's opportunity to step up."

Michigan State's Draymond Green claims BBWA National Player of the Week honors, should win Big Ten POTY

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

The debate over which player is the Big Ten's elite should end today. It's been evident the past few weeks that Michigan State Spartans star senior Draymond Green is the cream of the crop in regards to the league's top players, and Tuesday, he was honored with yet another accolade to stamp on his already impressive resume.

Green, who is the heart and soul of the sixth-ranked and Big Ten-leading Spartans, was named the BBWA National Player of the Week after outstanding performances against Wisconsin and Purdue, posting at least 20 points and 10 boards in each victory.

Green's closest competitor in the race to be crowned the Big Ten's best is Ohio State Buckeyes star Jared Sullinger. However, not even Sullinger has been National Player of the Week, which will surely tilt the votes in Green's direction. Adding to Green's candidacy for the league's top player recognition were his 12 points and nine rebounds in a 58-48 win over Ohio State just over a week ago, a game in which Sullinger was relatively ineffective. Despite scoring 17 points and finishing with 16 rebounds, Sullinger committed a season-high 10 turnovers and essentially withdrew his name from the POTY race.

Green is the only player in the Big Ten who is among the top 10 in points (15.4), rebounds (10.5) and assists (3.7). He leads the league with 15 double-doubles, and is the first player from a major conference to average over 15-10-3 in a season since Tim Duncan, the San Antonio Spurs' sure-Hall of Famer, did it at Wake Forest in 1997.

The importance of a senior like Green has been recognized by college basketball followers this season. However, like many true stars, his contributions to the Spartans may not be fully appreciated until he's gone, unfortunately.

Spartans coach Tom Izzo has called Green the "perfect Spartan," and one of the program's elite leaders since Flint native and Michigan State legend Mateen Cleaves, who helped lead the Spartans to the 2000 national title.

Green is more than a basketball player. I would liken his presence among the basketball team to that of what Kirk Cousins was to the football team. While Cousins could be considered more influential overall, Green has certainly earned the respect and admiration of Spartans followers from all all walks of life—not just those who are glued to Michigan State athletics.

Not the biggest, nor fastest, there is no doubt that Green is one of the smartest players to ever suit up in East Lansing. His intelligence on the floor is mind-boggling. To watch him run plays and orchestrate the offense is a thing of beauty. There aren't too many 6-foot-7, 230-pounders that move with the agility and grace that Green does.

Sure, Ohio State has the real deal in Sullinger. But Sullinger is no Green. That's not a knock on the Buckeyes star, it's what I would consider an ironclad fact. The Buckeyes rely on Sullinger just as much, if not more, than the Spartans rely on Green. However, the leadership, passion and energy exhibited by Green, who has two years experience on Sullinger, can't be matched by any player in the Big Ten.

Might as well mark it on your calendar—today is the day Green won the Big Ten's POTY honors.

The Michigan State Spartans control their destiny in the Big Ten, but three other teams could challenge for conference banner

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

The No. 6 Michigan State Spartans have a one-game lead over Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten standings due to their 76-62 win Sunday at Purdue.

With just four games remaining on their schedule, the Spartans (11-3, 22-5) must win-out in order to assure their third Big Ten title in the past four seasons.

Luckily for Michigan State, two of its final four contests are at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, where it's a perfect 16-0 on the year.

While Michigan State seemingly controls its own destiny, three other teams—Ohio State (10-4), Michigan (10-4) and Wisconsin (9-5)—have a shot at claiming the league's regular-season championship.

If the Spartans get past their next three opponents, and the Buckeyes do the same, the table would be set for the teams to meet and battle for a share of the title March 4 in East Lansing.

Michigan State's remaining schedule
(records and other facts/statistics were accurate as of Feb. 20)

Feb. 22 at Minnesota (5-9)

The Spartans thrashed the Gophers on Jan. 22, 68-52. Minnesota has lost three in a row, and coach Tubby Smith's program has failed to establish any type of rhythm during the Big Ten gauntlet.

Although they'll be on the road, the Spartans, who are 6-3 away from the Breslin Center, should down the Gophers with relative ease. Adding to the Gophers' struggles is a 1-4 record against AP top 25 teams.

Feb. 25 vs. Nebraska (4-10)

Michigan State racked up a 68-55 victory when it faced the Huskers on New Year's Eve. Nebraska has struggled in its first season in the Big Ten (previously playing in the Big XII), and logic would lead one to believe that things won't change much its second time around against the Spartans.

Nebraska is 1-5 against AP top 25 teams.

Feb. 28 at Indiana (8-7)

The Hoosiers are 15-1 in Bloomington this season, which could pose a threat to the Spartans. Indiana has won three of its last four, including a victory over a fully-loaded, pre-dismissal Purdue Boilermakers. If the Spartans are to slip on the road, their date with the Hoosiers could be that stumbling point.

Michigan State beat the Hoosiers, who are 3-4 against AP top 25 teams, 80-65 on Dec. 28.

March 4 vs. Ohio State (10-4)

A dangerous team, the Buckeyes feature one of the premier players in the Big Ten in Jared Sullinger, along with Aaron Craft, a great defensive guard. While there is plenty of talent on the Buckeyes' roster, they fell 58-48 in Columbus just over a week ago to Michigan State. The Spartans rendered Sullinger useless and forced Ohio State to force shots, evidenced by William Buford's 2-for-12 showing.

The Spartans will likely have their perfect home record intact when Ohio State comes to town. And while the Buckeyes, who are 6-3 against AP top 25 teams, will be in search of a Big Ten championship, the Spartans should defend their home court—and don't forget, it will be senior Draymond Green and Austin Thornton's final regular-season game at the Breslin, which should add an extra sense of urgency to Michigan State's cause.

Follow Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Senior hustle: Austin Thornton is an unsung hero for the Michigan State Spartans

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Austin Thornton is proof positive that a player's will to compete should never be overlooked or discounted. The Michigan State Spartans' fifth-year senior has played in 121 games for coach Tom Izzo, earning just his 11th start Sunday in the Spartans' 76-62 road win over the Purdue Boilermakers.

In years past, Thornton was the butt of jokes, heavily criticized and deemed not worthy to play basketball in the Big Ten—let alone for Michigan State, one of the conference's elite teams.

For many, the criticism would have probably been enough to deflate spirit and motivation. But Thornton, who has been one of the Spartans' leaders in "hustle" this season, has risen above his naysayers' comments and proven to be a valuable asset for the Spartans (22-5, 11-3), who hold a one-game lead over Ohio State in the Big Ten standings.

Last season, Michigan State hobbled into the NCAA tournament, sorely lacking any type of gritty play from seniors and upperclassmen. Spartans followers cringed after a first-round tournament loss to UCLA, and with just two seniors returning in 2011-12, many didn't expect much from the program other than an improvement from the previous season's debacle.

But turn the page to this season, and senior Draymond Green, the leading candidate for Big Ten Player of the Year honors, has captured the imagination of Spartans fans, who are eagerly waiting to see just how far this team can go. But lost in the shuffle, for the most part, has been Thornton. The casual Michigan State follower may not realize the value of the 6-foot-5 senior, who is among the Big Ten leaders in 3-point shooting (42 percent prior to Sunday, 16-for-38) and scored a career-high 17 points Sunday against Purdue.

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Thornton has averaged nearly 20 minutes per game this year, nearly equivalent to his three previous seasons combined and almost eight minutes more than the 2010-11 season when he saw the floor for about 11 minutes per contest. He's been reliable when Michigan State needed a run-stopping defender, a 3-pointer or a player to commit a foul.

His numbers aren't impressive by any stretch, at least to the naked eye. Averaging 4.6 points per game is hardly anything to jump out of your seat about. But when analyzing Thornton, who has reached double-figures four times this season, the numbers tell a story of what a player is capable of doing when given the chance. One also must consider the talent that Thornton has played behind too, which has also factored into his lack of playing time over the years.

Statistics are telling, but looking at the numbers only tells part of the story. Thornton, who has shown a gritty, physical presence throughout the season, flexed his defensive muscle Sunday—and has during the Spartans' climb up the Big Ten ladder—by converting a tough basket in the paint which gave his team a 45-38 lead over Purdue. He also helped contain Robbie Hummel, who scored 18 points in the first half but was held to just six in the final 20 minutes.

Hitting the deck for loose balls, taking punishment in the paint; all likely worth the minutes. If one were to ask Thornton, who has been praised for his relentless pursuit of playing time and incredible practice habits, he'd likely say it's all been worth it.

Defense, defense, defense: Michigan State Spartans prove they're a team to fear with win at Purdue

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Sunday was a defensive performance that the Michigan State Spartans may look back on at the end of the season, one that showed the nation that they're not only one of the Big Ten's elite but, perhaps, one of college basketball's top defensive units.

Coach Tom Izzo's eighth-ranked Spartans (22-5, 11-3) held the Purdue Boilermakers (17-10, 7-7) scoreless for nearly five minutes to open the second half in West Lafayette en route to posting an impressive 76-62 victory, which gave them a one-game lead over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten standings.

The Boilermakers fashioned an 8-0 run midway through the second half—which was powered by freshman Anthony Johnson—but had trouble in the paint and from the perimeter, going on 0-for-9 and 0-for-10 streaks from the field.

As past Izzo teams have, the Spartans have absolutely buckled down defensively over the past weeks, evidenced by consecutive wins over the Buckeyes in Columbus and Wisconsin Badgers in East Lansing. Just three days ago, the Spartans held the Badgers to 34 percent from the field in a 69-55 win. Michigan State held Ohio State to just 26 percent from the field during a 58-48 win Feb. 11.

The Boilermakers shot a combined 34 percent from the field Sunday, but that statistic was heavily influenced by a somewhat decent showing in the first 20 minutes. The second half, however, was a different story for coach Matt Painter's team, which shot roughly seven percent from the field during the final 20 minutes.

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Contesting shots, forcing off-balance and ill-advised attempts was the theme for the Spartans, who were led Sunday by senior Draymond Green's 20 points and 10 rebounds. Green, along with freshman Branden Dawson, junior Derrick Nix and sophomore Adreian Payne, were extremely effective protecting the paint Sunday, holding Purdue to 12 points and forcing the Boilers to attack the perimeter—and that move didn't bring the Boilers much luck, resulting in a 6-for-22 performance and 27 percent field goal conversion rate (consistent with what the Spartans have allowed from 3-point distance this season).

Purdue committed just six turnovers Sunday. However, some statistics prove to be a bit misleading, as one could consider many of the Boilermakers' missed opportunities in the second the same as a turnover.

The Spartans made the Boilermakers pay for those misses, evidenced by a Keith Appling steal/assist that resulted in a thunderous dunk by Dawson, one of the Big Ten's elite freshman.

The Spartans' dominance on the boards has been a topic of discussion among college basketball pundits everywhere. Once an Izzo-coached team establishes itself on the glass, championship-caliber seasons surely follow. Michigan State out-rebounded Purdue 38-27 Sunday, keeping in line with its +11 rebound per-game average.

Follow Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Loss to Michigan State Spartans, season-high 10 turnovers could have cost Ohio State Buckeyes' Jared Sullinger Big Ten POTY honors

 By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

A potential conference player of the year doesn't lay an egg during one of the biggest games of the season, right?

Someone should have told the then third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes' star phenom Jared Sullinger that Sunday during his team's 58-48 home loss to then 12th-ranked Michigan State Spartans.

The loss didn't just even the Spartans with the Buckeyes in the Big Ten title race at 9-3. It didn't just snap the Buckeyes' 39-game home winning streak at Value City Arena, either. No, the loss most likely cost Sullinger, a 6-foot-9, 265-pound power forward the Big Ten Player of the Year honors and all but took him out of the chase for national honors, as well.

Sullinger was rendered virtually useless Sunday, shooting a season-worst 5-for-15 from the field while committing a season-high 10 turnovers—more cough-ups than his previous five games combined (nine). The Spartans, who were led defensively by junior Derrick Nix and sophomore Adreian Payne, figured out how to cap Sullinger. Michigan State's guards took advantage of Nix and Payne's forceful defense which pushed Sullinger low and created plenty of opportunities for them to make a clean swipe of the ball.

Entering Sunday, Sullinger had posted an impressive resume, highlighted by averages of 17 points and nine rebounds per game. Sprinkle in his 21 games this season with 20 or more points, along with 10 double-doubles, and Sullinger's bid for Big Ten Player of the Year was seemingly secure, even more so than Spartans senior Draymond Green's.

While Sullinger didn't receive much help from teammates Sunday, he managed 17 points and 16 rebounds. However, the points and rebounds were negated by poor passes and strips, which accounted for seven of his 10 turnovers.

Meanwhile, Green, Sullinger's closest competition in the conference player of the year race, had a game which likely leapfrogged him into POTY-front runner status, although his 12 points and nine rebounds were far from season-bests.

Green, who was fresh off a 23-point, 12-rebound showing in the Spartans' 77-57 victory over Penn State just days earlier, played like a hungry senior who knew what was on the line—and that was a shot at the Big Ten championship. Never mind POTY honors, Green probably wanted the win and nothing else. It was just a bonus that he offered 34 productive minutes in the process. But a win surely didn't hurt his cause, either.

As Sullinger had, Green had an impressive resume entering Sunday's clash of the Big Ten titans with 13 double-doubles, averages of 15 points and 10 rebounds per game, along with 20 games with 20 or more points. But, unlike Sullinger, Green's team emerged triumphant, which, at least for the moment, vaulted him onto the perch that Sullinger claimed prior to the Buckeyes' loss to Michigan State.