Walton Leads The Way As Spartans Win Battle Over Trojans 74-69

Posted by Jeff Sack under Slam Dunk NCAA

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Travis Walton is a player that is known for his playing tenacious defense; any points you get from him during a game are gravy. Sunday the Michigan State senior guard provided enough gravy to supply most of the state of Michigan for next Thanksgiving. Walton led the Spartans with 18 points as they defeated the USC Trojans 74-69 and with the victory will play next Friday in the “Sweet Sixteen” round. Michigan State will match-up against defending NCAA Champs Kansas.

Walton now has the potential to be a participant in a very impressive tradition under Spartans coach Tom Izzo. Over the last 12 years every player who has stayed in the program for the entire four year commitment has played in the NCAA Final Four. Walton has yet to experience walking in that rarefied air, he now may continue that link with history.

The two teams would exchange the lead back and forth for most of the first half. Chris Allen knocked down a trey with 6:16 remaining in the period and put Michigan State ahead 24-21. The Spartans would maintain the upper hand for the remainder of the half and would head into the locker room leading 40-37.

The Trojans came out on a mission in the opening minutes of the second half scoring the first 6 points while Michigan State’s heads were still in the locker room. Dwight Lewis hitting a shot at the line with 16:19 remaining would put USC on top 48-42. Durrell Summers connected on a three point shot with 14:03 left in the game putting the Spartans ahead 50-48. The lead would keep changing hands until with 3:40 to play Travis Walton hit a mid range jump shot putting Michigan State ahead to stay 71-69.

Travis Walton led his team with 18 points, 2 assists and he had 2 steals in the victory. USC guard Dwight Lewis was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in the loss. The Spartans will be making their eighth appearance in the “Sweet Sixteen” in the last twelve years.

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