Spartans Open Season With Defensive Masterpiece

The game was in the balance from the opening tip to the final buzzer. The two teams were within one point at the end of the first quarter; within one point at the half; within two at the end of the third; and within one at the buzzer. The Spartans ended up on top of a 22-21 score.

On a night when the offense sputtered, the defense sparkled. Murphy LaFerle provided the spark. Ryan Lane and Miles Kenny led the rebounding effort against a much bigger opponent.

On offense, it seemed like there was a lid on the basket. The Spartans didn't score until the second quarter when Nick Liccardi scored two quick buckets. In the second half, the big guys took over. Ryan Lane poured in 9 points while Miles Kenny added 5 and rookie Bobby Mulcahy 2.

Michigan State will play again on Saturday against cross-town rival UNC at the Peapack-Gladstone Gym.