Colgate Falls to No. 22 Michigan State Despite Strong Shooting Performance
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Despite a 48% field goal percentage and 11 successful three-pointers, the Colgate Raiders suffered an 80-69 defeat at the hands of No. 22 Michigan State on Monday night at the Breslin Center. The Spartans utilized a decisive 15-2 run in the second half to overcome a tied score and secure the victory.
Colgate demonstrated impressive offensive efficiency, with four players reaching double-digit scoring figures. Sam Wright led the Raiders with 17 points, shooting 7-of-13 from the field. Freshman Andrew Alekseyenko made a significant impact in his first start, playing 35 minutes and contributing 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Jalen Cox added 12 points, showcasing efficiency with a 5-of-6 performance, alongside eight rebounds and seven assists.
According to the Colgate head coach, the team displayed a commendable competitive spirit. “Proud of the group for our competitive spirit. There are no moral victories but I think we learned lots about ourselves and the team we can be tonight. Being tied in the second half at Breslin is not insignificant,” the coach stated. However, the coach acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly rebounding and limiting transition opportunities for the Spartans. “Obviously we got hurt on the glass and in transition, both of which caused fouls and earned MSU FTs. Credit Michigan state for doing the things they are known for in rebounding, playing in transition and getting to the FT line.”
Second-Half Surge Propels Michigan State
The game remained competitive through the first half, with a three-pointer from Brady Cummins narrowing the gap to 39-36 at the break. Cummins continued his strong performance early in the second half, tying the game at 41-41 with another successful three-pointer. A layup from Alekseyenko brought the Raiders within two points, 47-45, seven minutes into the second stanza.
However, Michigan State responded with a dominant 15-2 run, fueled by a significant advantage at the free-throw line. The Spartans attempted 27 free throws in the second half, converting 24 of them. Despite late three-pointers from Ben Tweedy and Kyle Carlesimo, Colgate was unable to close the deficit, which reached as many as 15 points. The final score reflected Michigan State’s advantage, finishing 24-of-37 from the free throw line compared to Colgate’s 4-of-6.
Colgate shot 45% from the field in the first half, opening the game with a three-pointer from Alekseyenko, marking their only lead of the night. Michigan State maintained a lead for much of the first half, but the Raiders remained resilient, closing the gap with a Cummins three-pointer before halftime. The game was tied twice in the second half before the Spartans capitalized on their rebounding prowess and free-throw opportunities to secure the win.
Raiders Look Ahead to Home Opener
Colgate will return to Cotterell Court for its home opener on Friday night, hosting Northeastern. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
