Free Throws, Turnovers Sink Kentucky

Michigan State’s guard Branden Dawson (22) reacted after a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at the United Center. (David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

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Second-ranked Michigan State held on in the second half to defeat top-ranked Kentucky 78-74 on Tuesday night. The key aspects to the Spartans victory were the Wildcats' poor free-throw shooting and turnovers.

The Spartans started the game with a 10-0 run where they were dominating the Wildcats. The Spartans led at the half 44-32 and their leading scorer was sophomore guard Gary Harris with 15 points.

The Wildcats were able to make the game very competitive in the second half. They tied the score at 66, which shocked the sold out United Center.

The Wildcats outscored the Spartans 42-34 in the second half, but it was not enough to win the game. The Spartans were able to hold on to win the game 78-74.

The leading scorer for the Wildcats was freshman forward Julius Randle with 27 points. He also had 13 rebounds and was able to score despite facing double teams and at one point a triple team.

Without Randle, the Wildcats would not have stood a chance. Wildcats' sophomore forwards Willie Cauley-Stein and Alex Poythress combined for seven blocks.

The Spartans' leading scorer was senior guard Keith Appling with 22 points. He also added seven assists, seven rebounds and four assists.

He had many fast break points and made some key free throws down the stretch to help the Spartans maintain their lead.

The first key reason why the Spartans won the game was free throw shooting.

The Wildcats made only 20-of-36 free-throws compared to the Spartans' 13-of-17 from the charity line. If the Wildcats had been able to make a few more free throws, then they could have won the game.

It is tough to win a game when a team like the Wildcats made only 55.6 percent of their free throws.

The second key reason why Spartans won the game was turnovers.

The Wildcats committed 17 turnovers compared to the Spartans' seven. The Spartans were able to take advantage of these numerous turnovers and turn them into many fast break points.

At times, the Spartans' ability to run the floor resembled the Miami Heat's transition offense.

Both teams should be playing in March Madness and could be facing each other in the National Championship.

Second-ranked Michigan State held on in the second half to defeat top-ranked Kentucky 78-74 on Tuesday night. The key aspects to the Spartans victory was the Wildcats' poor free throw shooting and turnovers.

The Spartans started the game with a 10-0 run where they were dominating the Wildcats. The Spartans led at the half 44-32 and their leading scorer was sophomore guard Gary Harris with 15 points.

The Wildcats were able to make the game very competitive in the second half. They were able to tie the score at 66, which shocked the sold out United Center.

The Wildcats outscored the Spartans 42-34 in the second half, but it was not enough to win the game. The Spartans were able to hold on to win the game 78-74.

The leading scorer for the Wildcats was freshman forward James Randle with 27 points. He also had 13 rebounds and was able to score despite facing double teams and at one point a triple team.

Without Randle, the Wildcats would not have stood a chance. Wildcats' sophomore forwards Willie Cauley-Stein and Alex Poythress combined for seven blocks.

The Spartans' leading scorer was senior guard Keith Appling with 22 points. He also had seven assists, seven rebounds, and four assists.

He had many fast break points and made some key free throws down the stretch to help the Spartans maintain their lead.

The first key reason why the Spartans won the game was free throw shooting.

The Wildcats only made 20 of 36 free throws compared to the Spartans' 13 of 17 free throws. If the Wildcats had been able to make a few more free throws, then they could have won the game.

It is tough to win a game when a team like the Wildcats make only 55.6 percent of their free throws.

The second key reason why Spartans won the game was turnovers.

The Wildcats committed 17 turnovers compared to the Spartans' seven. The Spartans were able to take advantage of these numerous turnovers and turn them into many fast break points.

At times, the Spartans' transition offense resembled the Miami Heat's transition offense.

Both teams should be playing in March, March Madness, and could be facing each other in the Championship Game.