Feb. 8, 2012
EAST LANSING, MICH., FEB. 8, 2012 - Penn State (10-15; 2-10 Big Ten) came storming back to close within five of No. 11 Michigan State (19-5; 8-3 Big Ten) with 9:10 to play, but couldn't overcome a 14-point halftime deficit falling, 77-57, in East Lansing, Mich. Wednesday night.
The game ended a run of four of five games on the road for the Lions and five of six vs. ranked opponents. The Nittany Lions return to the Jordan Center this Saturday for Coaches vs. Cancer "Band Together" Day vs. Nebraska. The game tips at 1 p.m. on ESPNU. Penn State will donate $3 from every ticket sold to Coaches vs. Cancer and fans can purchase $3 rally towels at any BJC gate to support the cause.
Tim Frazier (Houston, Texas) led the Lions with 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Jermaine Marshall (Etters, Pa.) added 12 points, 10 in the second half, and five boards. Draymond Green posted 23 points and 12 boards for his 13th double-double of the season to lead the Spartans who improved to 15-0 at home on the year.
Michigan State increased its half time lead to 22 after a Green three-pointer with 16:46 to play before Penn State mounted a 10-0 run to swing the momentum. Frazier got a lay-up and Nick Colella hit a three. Sasa Borovnjak, who had six points in the half, converted on the block and Marshall converted a three-point play.
Penn State would stay hot shooting 76 percent through the first 13 minutes of the second half to slice the Michigan State lead to just five, 52-47, following a Marshall jumper with 9:10 to play and making 14,797 at the Breslin Center nervous.
Michigan State responded with a 17-3 run to reestablish control and take a 72-52 lead following a Green jumper with 3:29 to play. The Spartans shot 65 percent in the second half and made 23-of-34 at the foul line to hold off the Lions' rally. Michigan State won the rebounding battle 44-25 and got 18 second-chance points on 17 offensive rebounds.
Penn State missed its first eight shots from the floor and finished shooting 21 percent from the field and 2-of-12 from three in the first half to trail the Spartans 33-19 at the break. Penn State's defense held MSU to 27 percent shooting and forced 10 turnovers, but only Frazier and Colella, who made his first career start, made a first half basket for the Lions.
Frazier led the Lions with 10 first half point and Colella added six on a pair of threes. The Spartans dominated the glass to the tune of 30-14 and turned 14 offensive rebounds into 12 second chance points to lead by as many as 17 in the half.
Penn State stayed close early as the teams combined to start 0-of-14 from the floor, but the Lions didn't score until Colella's three at the 12:15 mark. The Lions were within six, 14-8, after a Frazier bucket, but MSU used and 11-0 run to open up a 25-8 lead with 5:21 to play in the half.
Nittany Lion Basketball single-game tickets or group tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-NITTANY, visiting GoPSUsports.com or through Ticketmaster. Single-game tickets are $18 for the lower bowl and $15 for upper level tickets for adults. Youth tickets (18 and under) are $7 for the lower bowl and $5 for upper level seating, while Penn State student tickets (University Park or branch campus) are $5. Penn State also offers special basketball group ticket rates for groups of 15 fans or more. Nittany Lion group rates are $10 for adults and $5 for youth.
For all the latest information, notes, pictures and related links on Penn State basketball follow Associate Athletic Communications Director Brian Siegrist on Twitter (@PSUSTRETCH) and check GoPSUsports.com. The Nittany Lions are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennstatebasketball.
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