Divine Ugochukwu poured in a career‑high 23 points to lead Michigan State to a 76‑72 victory over Penn State on Saturday.
Ugochukwu Leads the Charge
The Spartans’ star guard was 8‑for‑10 from the floor and hit all five of his 3‑point attempts, a perfect 5‑for‑5 from beyond the arc. His scoring surge helped Michigan State erase a 39‑36 halftime deficit and secure a win that snapped a second‑straight loss.
Spartans Overcome Turnovers
Despite committing a season‑high 17 turnovers, the Spartans stayed competitive. Jaxon Kohler added a double‑double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Carson Cooper contributed 10 points. The team’s 9‑1 overall record and 2‑0 Big Ten mark underscored the resilience displayed after a sluggish first half.
Penn State’s Performance
Penn State, led by Freddie Dilione’s career‑high 22 points, Kayden Mingo’s 11, and Ivan Juric’s 10, had a strong first half, pulling as many as nine points ahead. The Nittany Lions’ lead evaporated as the game progressed, and they were unable to keep pace after a blowout loss to Indiana earlier in the week.
Game Summary
Michigan State’s momentum began in the opening minutes of the second half, with Ugochukwu making the first three Spartan shots. He followed that with a decisive 3‑pointer with 3:27 left, putting the Spartans ahead for good. Later, he added a deep shot to push the lead to 72‑67.
Dilione responded with a jumper and a 3‑pointer, narrowing the margin to two points. With eight seconds remaining, Ugochukwu sank two free throws to seal the Spartans’ fifth‑straight win against Penn State.
Key Takeaways
- Divine Ugochukwu scored a career‑high 23 points, going 8‑for‑10 overall and 5‑for‑5 from beyond the arc.
- Michigan State posted a 9‑1 record and 2‑0 in Big Ten play, overcoming a season‑high 17 turnovers.
- Penn State’s 17‑turnover effort and early lead were insufficient to secure a victory.
Looking Ahead
Michigan State will host Toledo on Tuesday, while Penn State prepares to face Pitt on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The Spartans’ win keeps their momentum alive and positions them strongly in the Big Ten race.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
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