Your Five Things For January 22nd: Spartans Top Penn State

1. Spartans Sneak Past Penn State

Last night, the Michigan State basketball team were looking to get back on track as they hosted Penn State at the Breslin Center. The Spartans were up but never had a comfortable lead as they lead by 2 at halftime.  Penn State started to chip away but never grabbed the lead as Michigan State ended up winning 66-60.  The Spartans had even scoring as 5 players were in double figures including 4 starters.  Brenden Dawson lead the way with 12 points and 10 rebounds.  Gavin Schilling also had a double-double scoring 11 points with 10 rebounds.  The Leading scorer for the game was D.J. Newbill as he scored 27 points for Penn State.  The Spartans next game will be against Nebraska in Nebraska on Saturday.  Tip is scheduled for 4:00.

2. Pistons Offense Explodes Against Magic

The Detroit Pistons hosted the Orlando Magic last night as they were looking to get back on track after a loss to Atlanta.  The Pistons scored 30+ points in every quarter as they beat the Magic 128-118.  The Pistons shot over 50% for the game which helped contribute to having 3 players with 20+ points.  Andre Drummond lead the way for the Pistons scoring 26 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.  Greg Monroe followed up with 24 points and 10 rebounds and Brandon Jennings scored 24 points and 21 rebounds as well.  Nikola Vucevic lead the way for the Magic scoring 26 points while grabbing 15 rebounds.  The Pistons will look to continue their winning ways as they traveled to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks.

3. Hope Solo Suspended From US National Team

Hope Solo has been suspended from the US National Team for the next month as they get ready for the World Cup this summer.  While the US National Team did not announce why exactly Solo is suspended but, this comes days after she was in the car with her Husband during a drunk driving arrest.  Next month, the Women's National Team will be heading to Europe where Solo will not be allowed to travel.  Read all the comments here.

4. Spartans Football Adds BYU To Schedule

Yesterday it was announced that the football team has scheduled a home and home series with the BYU Cougars.  This is the first time ever that the teams will meet.  Michigan State will host BYU in 2016 while traveling to Provo, Utah in 2020.  In 2016, Michigan State will take on 2 of the 4 FBS Independent teams as Notre Dame and BYU are both on the schedule.  Read more about the agreement here.

5. Australian Open Entering Round 3

The Australian Open is in full swing as Round 3 is set to continue later tonight.  There have not be many upsets on the Men's side of the bracket. Most of the big players are still in as Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer have eased into the third round.  Rafael Nadal is still in even though he had a tough time going 5 sets. On the Women's side, there have been a few upsets including Victoria Azarenka upsetting #8 Caroline Wozniacki.  Serena Williams is still in after playing well in the first few rounds.  Check out all of the male and female scores here.