Tuesday's Shootaround: Michigan State survives, Auburn wins on a tip-in

Michigan State 69, Citadel 56: The Citadel's game plan was simple - run their offense for 25-30 seconds, working the shot clock, before trying to get a good shot at the basket at the end of the shot clock. It worked to perfection, as they buried their first seven threes and hit 12-20 from deep on the game. With 12 minutes to go in the game, however, the Spartans finally locked down defensively. Up 48-47, Michigan State ended the game on a 21-9 surge, taking control as the Bulldogs finally cooled off.

Raymar Morgan had 11 points and 10 boards in the win.
(photo credit: Washington Post)

While Sparty fans may be bothered by how close this game was, remember that Michigan State traveled to South Carolina to play a favorite in the Southern Conference and got a good test. Being able to win on the road is a difficult thing to do, especially when you are playing a team that is as hot as the Citadel was. Chalk this up as a learning experience that didn't cost MSU a loss.

Auburn 68, Virginia 67: Sammy Zeglinski hit two free throws with 7.7 seconds to give Virginia a 67-66 lead. On the ensuing possession, DeWayne Reed drove the length of the court. He missed a lay-up, but Brandon Knox was there for the tip-in with 1.4 seconds left. While this game probably doesn't have NCAA Tournament implications, the SEC will always take a win over the ACC, and it was well worth the price of admission for those that attended.

Texas 107, Long Beach State 74: Texas found some of that offensive inefficiency that they were lacking as they forced 23 turnovers while exploding for 107 points, their most in five seasons. Three back court newcomers, Jordan Hamilton, J'Covan Brown, and Avery Bradley, combined for 43 points and Dogus Balbay added 11 assists as Texas shot 59% from the field.

Texas A&M 75, North Texas 65: Donald Sloan led four players in double figures with 21 points as the Aggies used a 26-4 run midway through the first half to open up a 19 point lead.

Siena 73, Iona 60: The Saints used a 24-8 run midway through the second half after Iona cut Siena's lead to three. Edwin Ubiles led four Saints in double figures with 19 points.

Seton Hall 86, UMass 68: Jeremy Hazell scored 15 of his 21 points in the first, and Herb Pope added 16 of his 22 in the first half as the Pirates jumped out to a 44-19 lead at the break. Pope added 15 rebounds.

Arkansas 71, Delaware State 53: Marshon Powell led the Razorbacks with 20 points and 9 boards, and Arkansas used 66% shooting from the floor to beat the Hornets.

Tuesday's best:

• Herb Pope, Seton Hall: Pope had 16 of his 22 points in the first half and added 15 rebounds in the Pirate's blowout win of UMass.
• Andrew Goudelock, Charleston: Goudelock scored 28 points and added 6 boards as the Cougars improved to 3-0 in the Southern Conference.
• Donald Sims, Appalachian State and Noah Dahlman, Wofford: Sims scored 25 points to lead App. State to a win over Wofford despite 25 from Dahlman.