Tyson Walker hot with 16 points, Michigan State leads Nebraska 39-17 at halftime
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State finally looks fast, fresh, energetic and dialed-in. The Spartans enjoyed a hot-shooting first half in racing to a 39-17 lead over Nebraska in a Big Ten game which tipped off at 7 p.m., Tuesday night at Breslin Center.
Senior guard Tyson Walker had 16 points in the first half on 7-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range. This comes after Walker was a frustrated 2-of-8 from the field and 0-for-4 from 3-point range in a victory over Buffalo on Friday.
But Walker was hot from the start in this game. He nailed a 3-pointer from the right corner on Michigan State’s opening possession.
A pull-up jumper by Walker off the dribble gave Michigan State a 39-17 lead with 1:14 left in the first half.
Walker had 14 points by the 10-minute mark of the first half when his transition 3-pointer gave Michigan State a 26-13 lead, causing Nebraska to call time out. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo met Walker near mid-court to give him a hug after that one.
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Through 20 minutes it was difficult to decide which aspect was most impressive for the Spartans: their half-court defense (holding Nebraska to 27.6 percent shooting), their rebounding (a 23-16 edge on the glass) or their shooting (Michigan State was 17-of-34 from the field, and 41.7 percent from 3-point range).
Nebraska’s attempt to back Michigan State down in the post with over-sized point guard Sam Griesel or wide-bodied big man Derrick Walker were met by well-timed help defenders, whether it was digging guards of flash double-teams from big men.
Michigan State (9-4) spread the floor with accurate shooters and sharp ball movement in the first half.
Reserve center Wilhelm Breidenbach led Nebraska (8-6) with 5 points.
Jaxon Kohler scored 4 points. Mady Sissoko has five rebounds and two points.
Reserve center Wilhelm Breidenbach led Nebraska (8-6) with 5 points.
