Spartan Hoopla: Michigan State Dodges Bullet, Still in Big Ten Race

Thursday night's duel between 12th-ranked Michigan State (13-4, 23-7) and Penn State (3-14, 11-18) was nearly identical to Feb. 1, 2009's matchup—except the final score.

PSU's Talor Battle was yet again a handful. He scored a game-high 16 points, dished out eight assists, and grabbed six boards. Luckily for Michigan State, Battle didn't dump 29 points on it like he did last year.

Last year, the Nittany Lions came into the Breslin Center and shocked the Spartans in front of the green and white faithful 72-68.

Michigan State took this year's battle 67-65.

Tom Izzo can now breathe again (breathe, Tom, breathe).

March 4, 2010's contest likely could have had the same results from a year ago if it weren't for Raymar Morgan's and Kalin Lucas' late free throws.

Penn State's Chris Babb had the chance to knock Sparty out of contention for another Big Ten regular season title—but he turned the ball over with just six ticks left on the clock.

As a result of the scuffle for the ball: Lucas was fouled, went 1-for-2 from the stripe, and Babb was forced to heave up a prayer that had little chance at being answered—the ball ricocheted from iron, to glass, to court—game over, State wins.

The bullet that was the Nittany Lions was dodged by the Izzo clan.

Being taken out by the lowly Lions in front of the Izzone would have a certain sting to it, especially after a big road-win against Purdue and the record 9-0 streak that opened State's Big Ten play.

With its final regular season conference game just three days away, Michigan State still has some work to do if it wants to get a piece of the pie that Ohio State is intent on keeping to itself.

Evan Turner has been rumored to have purchased the Cool-Whip already.

But for now, it's on to the next one for the Izzo clan.

The Michigan Wolverines have been a disappointment, not only to its fans, but to the Big Ten conference and college basketball as a whole.

Don't think for one second that Deshawn Sims wouldn't want to end his career as a Wolverine by being the guy that canceled championship-party plans in East Lansing.

Looking past any conference opponent is always ill-advised.

By the way Sparty played against Penn State, it would be safe to assume that it had Michigan on the brain—and it nearly cost it a share of the league banner.

Izzo's current version of Spartan basketball is in need of tweaking, debugging—an overhaul.

Call it what you will, but at the end of the day it's evident that there are some changes that need to be made come March's bracket frenzy.

There are some positive aspects of Sparty v.2010.

The muscling play of Draymond Green is an absolute advantage.

Green beasted his way for 14 points and nine rebounds against the Lions. He is going to have to serve opponents a healthy dose of efforts like that come tourney-time.

Izzo is asking for more "Day-Day" on his Madness Menu. 

We'd like a little more of the No. 23, please.

The "captain" was again in full effect (and for the second game in a row at that). Morgan scored 16 points (tied for game-high) and worked the glass for eight boards.

We'll also have two platters of the "Raymar," sir.

Not necessarily a bad thing, but Lucas was just a side dish Thursday night. Under normal circumstances that wouldn't be cause to worry, but when a bottom-dweller like Penn State comes to "your" house and nearly beats you...

Well, then there's reason to question the team's leader and ask "why?"

"Why wouldn't you do what you've done all year and put teams away? Why wouldn't you do what you did Feb. 13 in State's 65-54 at win Bryce-Jordan?"

Morgan and Green stepped up, that's why.

A good sign come tournament time?

It all depends on how you look at it. Morgan is without question the X-factor for Sparty in the Big Dance.

Green, you're key, too.

Lucas, you just keep doing what you've done for the last two years: be consistent.