Jan. 4, 2017
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Box Score
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Corey Sanders shot 9-of-16 to score a season-high 22 points, but Rutgers (11-5, 0-3) was unable to slow Michigan State (11-5, 3-0) in a 93-65 loss at the Breslin Center Wednesday night. The Scarlet Knights struggled at the free throw line in the hostile environment, making 12-of-27, including missing front ends on three one-and-ones, to leave a potential of 18 additional points on the floor.
"We left so many points on the board from the free throw line," said Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell. "In a game like this, when you come on the road and play in this environment against this kind of team and miss three one-and-ones, to go with 15 free throw points (missed), I think we could have hung around a little bit. To their credit, they hit some big shots and just when we felt like we could make a little run, they answered, so a lot of credit to Michigan State."
Nigel Johnson and C.J. Gettys joined Sanders in double digits, with 15 and 10 points, respectively. Johnson was 6-of-12 from the field, while Gettys contributed to the Scarlet Knights' 38-34 scoring advantage in the paint.
RU started hot from the field, making its first five shots en route to a 11-6 lead after a Sanders three-pointer. The Spartans pushed back, utilizing an 11-2 run, but a steal and fast-break dunk from freshman Issa Thiam made it a one possession game at 20-17.
Michigan State extended its lead to double-digits at 30-19. The Scarlet Knights countered, with Sanders completing a three-point-play and Johnson converting a pair of steals into fast break layups. The flurry forced MSU coach Tom Izzo to call timeout to halt the RU momentum.
Izzo's Spartans would take a 42-32 advantage into the halftime locker room, buoyed by five three-pointers and 13 first half points from Eron Harris. The Scarlet Knights shot 44 percent in the opening stanza and received 10 points from both Sanders and Johnson.
In the second half, MSU made nine of its first 12 shots, including 3-of-3 from long distance, to open up a 63-43 lead.
Rutgers cut into the deficit with a three-pointer from Johnson, followed by a three-point play from Gettys and three-pointer from Sanders.
The Spartans, however, utilized a pair of alley-oop dunks to retake a commanding lead. MSU shot 70 percent (21-of-30) in the second half the ensure the 28-point victory.
"They shot the ball extremely well," said Pikiell. "Obviously they're well-coached and I have a ton of admiration for Coach (Tom) Izzo and his program. His program's so good; it's been so good for a long time. I thought we had a decent game plan coming in. Obviously it's a great win by them and now we're on the road again."
Next up for Rutgers is a road trip to Iowa on Sunday. The Scarlet Knights and Hawkeyes will tip off at 4:30 p.m. on BTN.
Postgame Notes
Sanders' 22 points was a season-high. He scored in double-figures for the ninth time this season and 31st time in his career he scored in double figures.
Nigel Johnson scored in double-figures for the 12th time this season.
CJ Gettys scored double digits for the fifth time this season.
Issa Thiam tied a career-high with three rebounds.
Rutgers had three players scored in double-figures for the 10th time this season.
Michigan State leads the all-time series 5-0.
