Spartans play Penn State on Saturday

Early in the season, opposing guards were having their way with Michigan State’s backcourt—pretty good guards, it should be noted, but it was still a pride hit for the Spartans to give up 30 points to UConn’s Kemba Walker and 31 to Duke’s Kyrie Irving the next week.
When Texas shooter Jordan Hamilton got loose for 21 in a Dec. 22 win at Michigan State, it was fair to wonder if the Spartans would ever locate the quick, stingy group of guards they supposedly brought into the season.
But time off seems to have done something for this group—and just in time, with a game against Penn State star Talor Battle coming up on Saturday. The Spartans combined to stifle Minnesota scorer Devoe Joseph (five points) on Dec. 31, and they nullified the quickness of Northwestern’s Michael “Juice” Thompson in a 65-62 victory on Monday night
Freshman Keith Appling might be the key here as a complement to Korie Lucious and Kalin Lucas. Appling has the quickness and the tenacity, and he showed his athleticism against the Wildcats with five blocked shots.
That included his leaping graze of Thompson’s tying 3-point attempt with three seconds left to preserve the victory.