Cleaves fills go-to role for Spartans

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Mateen Cleaves chose to play basketball at Michigan State because he wanted to be the "go-to guy."

During the Spartans' (13-4, 6-1 Big Ten) 71-59 win over Penn State (9-7, 2-4) on Saturday at The Breslin Center, Cleaves was that guy.

"That's something that I want," Cleaves, a sophomore, said. "That's why I chose Michigan State, so I'd be looked at as one of those kinds of players. I know sometimes I have to come in (the game) and make a little more happen than what's been going on in the game."

With the 6-foot-2 point guard on the bench, Penn State built a 45-41 lead with nine minutes and 40 seconds remaining. At this time Michigan State coach Tom Izzo sensed the need for his team to start scoring and put Cleaves back in the game. The "no-brainer" by Izzo signaled an end to the Lions, and the game. Cleaves did what he wanted, when he wanted, during his re-entry into the game and relentlessly went on to score 18 of his 20 second-half points during the span. Cleaves finished with a game-high 25 points on 6 of 13 shooting, including 11 of 14 from the free throw line.

At halftime it looked as if Penn State was doing a commendable job of keeping Cleaves in check. His five first-half points were due mostly to Penn State forward Titus Ivory's in-your-face defense. Ivory eventually fouled out with 3:33 left in the game. After Ivory's early exit, Cleaves went on to score nine points.

"It was tough," Crispin said of Cleaves' defense. "Especially at the end when I was worn down. He's a pretty good defender."

Michigan State has a rich tradition of producing some of the best guards in the country. Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Steve Smith, Shawn Respert, Scott Skiles, Jay and Sam Vincent, just to name a few, have all graced the hardwood in a Spartan uniform.

Cleaves, who at times shows flashes of brilliance which resemble that of his guard predecessors, knows he has a long way to go to be mentioned in the same breath with the former Michigan State stars. But he is taking all the necessary steps to become what they once were.

"The thing I try and do is get in there and watch film on Scott Skiles and try to take something from his game, Steve Smith and take something from his game . . ." Cleaves said. "I'm not on that level with those guys yet. I've got a lot to work on. I need to get back in the gym and work on my shooting a little more, my handles and my decision making.

"I know when those guys come back and come in the gym I'm going to be right behind them trying to learn from them."

But for now, Cleaves is just "that guy."