Nick Ward leads No. 6 Michigan State over Penn State, 71-56
AP
Jan 13, 2019
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) �� Tom Izzo wasn't impressed with much of No. 6 Michigan State Spartans's double-digit victory over Penn State Nittany Lions.
The Spartans built a big lead early and dominated at times in the paint in their 71-56 win on Sunday. From Izzo's standpoint, that's all they did well and that won't be enough for the Spartans to be the team they want to be.
"Maybe we're all talking too much about how good we are," Izzo said. "We're not that good."
Playing without guards Joshua Langford and Kyle Ahrens, Michigan State's offense suffered through spurts of inconsistency while also mounting the runs necessary to keep the game out of reach.
Nick Ward had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Matt McQuaid added 15 points and Cassius Winston chipped in 11 for the Spartans (15-2, 6-0 Big Ten), who have won 10 straight. They also beat the Nittany Lions (7-10, 0-6) for the 10th consecutive time.
Michigan State turned the ball over 17 times and shot 49 percent from the field.
"They missed some shots that I think they could've made," Izzo said. "The turnovers were a joke."
Kenny Goins added 10 rebounds for the Spartans, who only trailed for 10 seconds and led by as many as 21 with 6:44 to play.
The Spartans took control just over five minutes into the first half with a relentless possession.
Fueled by a pair of offensive rebounds from Goins and Xavier Tillman, the Spartans controlled the ball for nearly 40 seconds and took the lead for good when Winston pinpointed a bounce pass through traffic to Goins, who finished with a right-handed dunk. Goins' jam sparked a 28-14 run for the Spartans, who led 40-24 at halftime.
Lamar Stevens led Penn State (7-10, 0-6) with 20 points. Myles Dread, Josh Reaves and Mike Watkins all scored 11 points.
"We haven't brought it all together yet," Penn State coach Patrick Chambers said. "We still have 14 (games) to go and we can turn this ship around right away."
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
Izzo leveled some pointed criticism at Winston.
"I hate to say it, and I'm giving him credit for the whole season, but I told Cass, that was one of the worst games I've seen him play," Izzo said.
Winston, who entered averaging 18 points per game, led the team with seven turnovers. His 11 points were his lowest output since Florida held him to 10 on Dec. 8.
Izzo said he wasn't sure when Langford and Ahrens, who missed his first game this season with a back injury, would be back to help take the load off Winston in the backcourt.
"He sure as hell deserves a hall pass," Izzo said. "But he can't get many of them if we're going to be a real good team."
DOMINATION ON THE GLASS
Ward and Goins combined to grab more than half the Spartans' rebounds. Overall, Michigan State outrebounded Penn State 41-21 but only scored two more points in the paint than Penn State's 22.
"We did a better job keeping them off the glass in the second half," Chambers said.
NOTHING TO DREAD
Dread went down with an apparent ankle injury with 8:11 to play.
The freshman guard got tangled up with Ward chasing a loose ball, fell and appeared to twist his left leg while sliding to a stop. He writhed in pain and had to be helped to the locker room. He was able to return minutes later, however.
Dread entered the afternoon averaging 8.4 points per game, and his 28.3 minutes per game were fourth on the team.
BIG PICTURE
Michigan State: The Spartans are getting by just fine without Langford, who missed his fourth straight game with an ankle injury. In his place, a handful of Spartans have provided scoring depth, including Ahrens, Aaron Henry and McQuaid.
Penn State: The Nittany Lions are in desperate need of some positivity. Their 0-6 start in the Big Ten is their worst since the 2014-15 season, when they finished 4-14 in conference play.
UP NEXT
Michigan State: Visits Nebraska on Thursday.
Penn State: Hosts Iowa on Wednesday.
---
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1st Half
MIST
Spartans
40
PSU
Nittany Lions
24
Time
Team
Play
Score
20:00
Jumpball received by Michigan State
19:32
Shooting foul on Lamar Stevens
19:35
+1
Matt McQuaid made 1st of 2 free throws
1-0
19:35
+1
Matt McQuaid made 2nd of 2 free throws
2-0
19:19
+2
Mike Watkins made layup, assist by Josh Reaves
2-2
18:59
+2
Aaron Henry made turnaround jump shot
4-2
18:38
Mike Watkins missed jump shot
18:36
Defensive rebound by Nick Ward
18:31
+2
Nick Ward made jump shot, assist by Cassius Winston
6-2
18:18
+3
Myles Dread made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Josh Reaves
6-5
17:59
Kenny Goins missed 3-pt. jump shot
17:57
Defensive rebound by Myles Dread
17:34
Josh Reaves missed 3-pt. jump shot
17:32
Defensive rebound by Nick Ward
17:22
Nick Ward missed layup
17:20
Defensive rebound by Lamar Stevens
17:15
+3
Jamari Wheeler made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Josh Reaves
6-8
17:05
Shooting foul on Jamari Wheeler
17:05
+1
Cassius Winston made 1st of 2 free throws
7-8
17:05
+1
Cassius Winston made 2nd of 2 free throws
8-8
16:44
Jumpball received by Michigan State
16:35
Myreon Jones missed driving layup
16:33
Defensive rebound by Kenny Goins
16:26
Aaron Henry missed jump shot
16:24
Offensive rebound by Aaron Henry
16:21
+2
Aaron Henry made tip-in
10-8
16:12
Personal foul on Matt McQuaid
15:58
+2
Lamar Stevens made jump shot
10-10
15:33
Lost ball turnover on Xavier Tillman
15:24
Lamar Stevens missed 3-pt. jump shot
15:22
Defensive rebound by Xavier Tillman
14:54
Cassius Winston missed layup, blocked by Josh Reaves
14:52
Offensive rebound by Kenny Goins
14:42
Cassius Winston missed 3-pt. jump shot
14:42
Offensive rebound by Xavier Tillman
14:42
+2
Kenny Goins made dunk, assist by Cassius Winston
12-10
14:27
Josh Reaves missed jump shot
14:25
Defensive rebound by Xavier Tillman
14:20
+2
Cassius Winston made jump shot
14-10
14:00
Myreon Jones missed layup, blocked by Xavier Tillman
13:58
Offensive rebound by Penn State
13:53
Myreon Jones missed 3-pt. jump shot
13:51
Defensive rebound by Nick Ward
13:43
Xavier Tillman missed jump shot
13:41
Offensive rebound by Xavier Tillman
13:15
Gabe Brown missed 3-pt. jump shot
13:13
Offensive rebound by Nick Ward
13:09
+2
Nick Ward made layup
16-10
12:46
Mike Watkins missed jump shot, blocked by Nick Ward
12:46
Offensive rebound by Josh Reaves
12:46
Rasir Bolton missed 3-pt. jump shot
12:44
Offensive rebound by Trent Buttrick
12:36
Trent Buttrick missed 3-pt. jump shot
12:34
Defensive rebound by Gabe Brown
12:31
Personal foul on Trent Buttrick
12:18
Foster Loyer missed 3-pt. jump shot, blocked by Josh Reaves
12:16
Offensive rebound by Foster Loyer
12:02
Shooting foul on Lamar Stevens
12:02
Xavier Tillman missed 1st of 2 free throws
12:02
+1
Xavier Tillman made 2nd of 2 free throws
17-10
11:56
Josh Reaves missed layup
11:54
Defensive rebound by Gabe Brown
11:38
+3
Foster Loyer made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Kenny Goins
20-10
11:35
Commercial timeout called
10:58
Offensive foul on Cassius Winston
10:58
Turnover on Cassius Winston
10:46
Josh Reaves missed 3-pt. jump shot
10:44
Defensive rebound by Nick Ward
10:39
Cassius Winston missed 3-pt. jump shot
10:37
Defensive rebound by Mike Watkins
10:26
Myles Dread missed 3-pt. jump shot
10:24
Defensive rebound by Nick Ward
10:16
Bad pass turnover on Cassius Winston, stolen by Josh Reaves
10:07
+2
Josh Reaves made jump shot
20-14
9:55
+2
Nick Ward made layup, assist by Kenny Goins
22-14
9:41
Jamari Wheeler missed layup
9:39
Defensive rebound by Kenny Goins
9:39
Personal foul on John Harrar
9:30
Bad pass turnover on Matt McQuaid
9:15
Traveling violation turnover on Myles Dread
8:57
+2
Kenny Goins made jump shot, assist by Aaron Henry
24-14
8:39
Myreon Jones missed 3-pt. jump shot
8:37
Offensive rebound by Mike Watkins
8:32
Personal foul on Xavier Tillman
8:10
Jamari Wheeler missed 3-pt. jump shot
8:08
Offensive rebound by Mike Watkins
7:41
Lost ball turnover on Myreon Jones, stolen by Cassius Winston
7:39
Shooting foul on Trent Buttrick
7:39
+1
Xavier Tillman made 1st of 2 free throws
25-14
7:39
+1
Xavier Tillman made 2nd of 2 free throws
26-14
7:22
Lamar Stevens missed jump shot
7:20
Defensive rebound by Gabe Brown
7:06
Nick Ward missed layup
7:04
Offensive rebound by Nick Ward
7:02
Shooting foul on John Harrar
7:02
+1
Nick Ward made 1st of 2 free throws
27-14
7:02
+1
Nick Ward made 2nd of 2 free throws
28-14
6:41
+2
Mike Watkins made jump shot, assist by Josh Reaves
28-16
6:34
+2
Nick Ward made layup, assist by Cassius Winston
30-16
6:15
Personal foul on Cassius Winston
6:00
Josh Reaves missed layup
5:58
Defensive rebound by Nick Ward
5:59
Personal foul on Myreon Jones
5:59
Nick Ward missed free throw
5:59
Defensive rebound by Mike Watkins
5:49
Traveling violation turnover on Josh Reaves
5:34
Aaron Henry missed 3-pt. jump shot
5:32
Defensive rebound by Josh Reaves
5:28
Offensive foul on Josh Reaves
5:28
Turnover on Josh Reaves
5:11
+3
Gabe Brown made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Xavier Tillman
33-16
4:59
+2
Mike Watkins made dunk, assist by Josh Reaves
33-18
4:39
+2
Nick Ward made layup, assist by Foster Loyer
35-18
4:06
Shooting foul on Nick Ward
4:06
+1
Mike Watkins made 1st of 2 free throws
35-19
4:06
Mike Watkins missed 2nd of 2 free throws
4:06
Defensive rebound by Xavier Tillman
3:59
+2
Aaron Henry made dunk
37-19
3:43
Offensive foul on Rasir Bolton
3:43
Turnover on Rasir Bolton
3:31
Personal foul on John Harrar
3:31
Aaron Henry missed 1st of 2 free throws
3:31
Aaron Henry missed 2nd of 2 free throws
3:31
Defensive rebound by Myles Dread
3:12
Lamar Stevens missed jump shot
3:10
Defensive rebound by Kenny Goins
2:46
Lost ball turnover on Kenny Goins
2:26
Kyle McCloskey missed 3-pt. jump shot
2:24
Offensive rebound by Lamar Stevens
2:20
+2
Lamar Stevens made jump shot
37-21
1:58
Aaron Henry missed jump shot
1:56
Offensive rebound by Kenny Goins
1:54
Kenny Goins missed tip-in
1:52
Offensive rebound by Xavier Tillman
1:34
Offensive foul on Cassius Winston
1:34
Turnover on Cassius Winston
1:19
+3
Myles Dread made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Josh Reaves
37-24
57.0
Personal foul on Myles Dread
57.0
+1
Matt McQuaid made 1st of 2 free throws
38-24
57.0
Matt McQuaid missed 2nd of 2 free throws
57.0
Defensive rebound by Lamar Stevens
42.0
Lamar Stevens missed jump shot
40.0
Defensive rebound by Michigan State
25.0
+2
Foster Loyer made jump shot, assist by Aaron Henry
40-24
2.0
Jamari Wheeler missed jump shot
0.0
Defensive rebound by Nick Ward
0.0
End of period
2nd Half
MIST
Spartans
31
PSU
Nittany Lions
32
Time
Team
Play
Score
19:35
Nick Ward missed layup
19:33
Defensive rebound by Lamar Stevens
19:07
Lamar Stevens missed layup
19:05
Defensive rebound by Kenny Goins
18:46
Offensive foul on Nick Ward
18:46
Turnover on Nick Ward
18:32
Shooting foul on Nick Ward
18:32
+1
Josh Reaves made 1st of 3 free throws
40-25
18:46
+1
Josh Reaves made 2nd of 3 free throws
40-26
18:32
+1
Josh Reaves made 3rd of 3 free throws
40-27
18:20
Bad pass turnover on Cassius Winston, stolen by Jamari Wheeler
18:06
Bad pass turnover on Josh Reaves, stolen by Cassius Winston
17:52
Xavier Tillman missed jump shot
17:50
Defensive rebound by Lamar Stevens
17:39
+2
Lamar Stevens made turnaround jump shot
40-29
17:25
+3
Kenny Goins made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Cassius Winston
43-29
17:03
Lamar Stevens missed 3-pt. jump shot
17:01
Defensive rebound by Michigan State
16:47
Personal foul on Mike Watkins
16:39
Bad pass turnover on Cassius Winston, stolen by Josh Reaves
16:34
+2
Josh Reaves made driving dunk
43-31
16:24
Lost ball turnover on Cassius Winston, stolen by Jamari Wheeler
16:08
Bad pass turnover on Jamari Wheeler
15:46
Personal foul on Jamari Wheeler
15:37
Foster Loyer missed 3-pt. jump shot
15:35
Defensive rebound by Mike Watkins
15:16
Lamar Stevens missed jump shot, blocked by Xavier Tillman
15:14
Defensive rebound by Foster Loyer
14:58
Kenny Goins missed jump shot
14:56
Defensive rebound by Josh Reaves
14:48
Myreon Jones missed 3-pt. jump shot
14:46
Offensive rebound by Kyle McCloskey
14:38
+2
Mike Watkins made turnaround jump shot
43-33
14:19
Offensive foul on Aaron Henry
14:19
Turnover on Aaron Henry
13:58
Personal foul on Matt McQuaid
13:58
Traveling violation turnover on Mike Watkins
13:42
+3
Matt McQuaid made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Xavier Tillman
46-33
13:27
Rasir Bolton missed 3-pt. jump shot
13:25
Defensive rebound by Kenny Goins
13:12
+3
Matt McQuaid made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Xavier Tillman
49-33
12:56
+2
Myles Dread made jump shot, assist by Josh Reaves
49-35
12:29
Gabe Brown missed 3-pt. jump shot
12:27
Offensive rebound by Michigan State
12:18
Traveling violation turnover on Xavier Tillman
12:00
Mike Watkins missed layup
11:58
Defensive rebound by Kenny Goins
11:54
Bad pass turnover on Kenny Goins, stolen by Josh Reaves
11:47
+2
Josh Reaves made driving dunk
49-37
11:41
+2
Xavier Tillman made layup, assist by Cassius Winston
51-37
11:14
Mike Watkins missed hook shot
11:12
Defensive rebound by Michigan State
11:12
Shot clock violation turnover on Penn State
10:50
+2
Nick Ward made layup, assist by Kenny Goins
53-37
10:50
Personal foul on Gabe Brown
10:39
Lamar Stevens missed jump shot
10:37
Offensive rebound by Josh Reaves
10:28
+3
Lamar Stevens made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Josh Reaves
53-40
10:08
Shooting foul on Josh Reaves
10:08
+1
Cassius Winston made 1st of 2 free throws
54-40
10:08
+1
Cassius Winston made 2nd of 2 free throws
55-40
9:46
+2
Lamar Stevens made driving layup
55-42
9:16
+2
Cassius Winston made jump shot
57-42
9:04
Lost ball turnover on Myles Dread
8:53
+3
Cassius Winston made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Matt McQuaid
60-42
8:38
Lamar Stevens missed 3-pt. jump shot
8:36
Defensive rebound by Xavier Tillman
8:27
Bad pass turnover on Cassius Winston, stolen by Josh Reaves
8:20
Lost ball turnover on Josh Reaves, stolen by Cassius Winston
8:16
Bad pass turnover on Cassius Winston, stolen by Kyle McCloskey
7:57
Lamar Stevens missed jump shot
7:55
Defensive rebound by Nick Ward
7:43
Matt McQuaid missed floating jump shot
7:41
Defensive rebound by John Harrar
7:34
Jamari Wheeler missed jump shot, blocked by Xavier Tillman
7:33
Offensive rebound by Penn State
7:30
Mike Watkins missed layup
7:28
Defensive rebound by Michigan State
7:13
Foster Loyer missed 3-pt. jump shot
7:11
Defensive rebound by Penn State
7:01
Jamari Wheeler missed 3-pt. jump shot
6:59
Defensive rebound by Aaron Henry
6:52
Personal foul on Jamari Wheeler
6:42
+3
Matt McQuaid made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Gabe Brown
63-42
6:13
Shooting foul on Xavier Tillman
6:13
+1
Lamar Stevens made 1st of 2 free throws
63-43
6:13
+1
Lamar Stevens made 2nd of 2 free throws
63-44
5:55
Personal foul on Josh Reaves
5:35
+2
Nick Ward made jump shot, assist by Cassius Winston
65-44
5:26
Shooting foul on Matt McQuaid
5:26
Josh Reaves missed 1st of 2 free throws
5:26
Josh Reaves missed 2nd of 2 free throws
5:26
Defensive rebound by Nick Ward
5:26
Lost ball turnover on Nick Ward, stolen by Myles Dread
5:20
+2
Lamar Stevens made jump shot, assist by Josh Reaves
65-46
5:12
Personal foul on John Harrar
4:59
Gabe Brown missed 3-pt. jump shot
4:57
Defensive rebound by Mike Watkins
4:40
Lost ball turnover on Mike Watkins, stolen by Nick Ward
4:29
Nick Ward missed layup, blocked by Mike Watkins
4:29
Defensive rebound by Mike Watkins
4:29
Jumpball received by Michigan State
4:09
+2
Lamar Stevens made turnaround jump shot
65-48
4:09
Shooting foul on Kenny Goins
4:09
+1
Lamar Stevens made free throw
65-49
3:41
Matt McQuaid missed 3-pt. jump shot
3:39
Defensive rebound by Kyle McCloskey
3:29
Bad pass turnover on Josh Reaves, stolen by Cassius Winston
3:12
Matt McQuaid missed 3-pt. jump shot
3:10
Defensive rebound by Kyle McCloskey
2:55
+2
Lamar Stevens made turnaround jump shot
65-51
2:40
Offensive foul on Nick Ward
2:40
Turnover on Nick Ward
2:28
Trent Buttrick missed layup, blocked by Nick Ward
2:26
Defensive rebound by Kenny Goins
2:22
Gabe Brown missed driving layup, blocked by Josh Reaves
2:21
Offensive rebound by Michigan State
2:12
Cassius Winston missed finger-roll layup
2:10
Defensive rebound by Lamar Stevens
2:05
Josh Reaves missed 3-pt. jump shot
2:03
Defensive rebound by Gabe Brown
1:47
+3
Matt McQuaid made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Nick Ward
68-51
1:25
+3
Myles Dread made 3-pt. jump shot, assist by Lamar Stevens
68-54
1:11
Lost ball turnover on Foster Loyer, stolen by Josh Reaves
1:07
+2
Josh Reaves made driving dunk, assist by Myles Dread
68-56
45.0
Shooting foul on Trent Buttrick
46.0
+1
Aaron Henry made 1st of 2 free throws
69-56
46.0
Aaron Henry missed 2nd of 2 free throws
46.0
Defensive rebound by Trent Buttrick
36.0
Josh Reaves missed 3-pt. jump shot
34.0
Defensive rebound by Kenny Goins
10.0
+2
Foster Loyer made driving layup, assist by Thomas Kithier