Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State opened its Big Ten road slate with a tense 76-72 win over Penn State at Bryce Jordan Center. The Spartans, coming off a tough loss to Duke, stumbled out of the gate, blowing two separate 10-point leads, but ultimately pulled away late in regulation. Despite some sloppy moments (17 turnovers for Michigan State), they found enough poise down the stretch, thanks in large part to a standout performance from one of their unlikeliest heroes.
That hero was sophomore guard Divine Ugochukwu, who earned his first career start at shooting guard. He seized the moment, pouring in a career-high 23 points, including a flawless 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, and emerged as the Spartans’ leading scorer. Ugochukwu helped spark MSU early, knocking down multiple threes, and continued to deliver when his team needed composure. His aggressive play and timely baskets were central to overcoming Penn State’s push late in the game.
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(CONTINUED) Michigan State’s veteran bigs did their part as well. Senior forward Jaxon Kohler and senior center Carson Cooper consistently battled on the boards as they combined for 18 rebounds and made key plays, as reflected by multiple putbacks and interior presence. Nonetheless, Penn State hung tough; it shot just 28% from 3-point range but forced Michigan State into mistakes and never let the Spartans build a comfortable lead.
Down the stretch, Michigan State leaned on Ugochukwu’s hot shooting and sturdy defense. A clutch 3-pointer from him came with just under four minutes left, and despite Penn State reducing the lead to just a few points, the Spartans held firm. They tightened up defensively, forced a few crucial misses, and sealed the victory at 76-72. Ugochukwu’s breakout in his first start certainly added fuel to the Spartans’ engine, and gives coach Tom Izzo plenty to ponder as the season rolls on.
The Spartans return home to Breslin Center on Tuesday as they host Toledo.
