Twin Towers dominate small Spartans

Shaped to fit an Abbott and Costello silhouette - albeit a bit taller - Robert Traylor and Maceo Baston are opposites in the physical form.

Traylor, a mountain of a man, stands as an immovable object at 6-foot-8, 300 pounds, while Baston tops out at 6-9 - but with a frame thin as a rail.

Saturday, before an unusually large Crisler Arena crowd, the two played in near harmony, as if they conspired to dominate.

Traylor

From the first possession of the game, Michigan State felt the fury they tangled with for the rest of the afternoon. Traylor, setting up camp in the low post, received a pass and proceeded to drop in a sweet jumper for the game's first points.

Most of Traylor's shots are emotional, and this conversion was no different setting the tone for Michigan's 79-69 victory over the Spartans.

"I was kind of excited," said the mammoth Traylor. "But that's just me."

That enthusiasm manifested itself in a sterling first half for Baston and Traylor, and the duo pushed Michigan to a runaway with a combined 27 points and eight rebounds. The 27 points were just a single point below the entire Michigan State output, certifying the dominance of the tandem.

After playing together for three seasons, a certain synergy between the two has emerged. Take, for example, when a loose ball careened out of bounds under the basket with 11 minutes left in the first half.

Baston, with his seven-foot wingspan, snatched the ball from a certain turnover and fed Traylor for a dunk behind him. That connection, the ability to see what the other is accomplishing even before he begins the motion, has established them as national force.

"Interior passing isn't an easy thing to do," Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe said, in reference to the distribution skills of his big men. "They have grasped what we're trying to do."

Having three NBA prospects across the front line (Jerod Ward is also expected to play pro ball) makes any coach's job easier, especially when the forwards in question know their talent.

"Me and Robert are among the top players in the nation," Baston said without hesitation. "One-on-one in the post, we can do anything we want."

Antonio Smith and DuJuan Wiley, for better or worse the extent of Michigan State's smallish front line, were overwhelmed all game long and did whatever they could to halt Traylor and Baston.

Wiley, despite possessing Michigan State's largest body at 6-9, 230, picked up four fouls - by halftime - trying to defend the wiry Baston. As a consequence, free throws became a Michigan ally, with Baston shooting 12 before halftime.

In addition to their 43 points on the offensive end, controlling the boards and limiting chances defensively added to their dominance.

Michigan State entered the game as the top rebounding team in the Big Ten, averaging 10 more boards per game than its opponents.

But the Wolverines altered that statistic finishing with a 36-33 rebound advantage, using their big bodies to box out and control the caroms.

The unity Traylor and Baston displayed in posting large numbers spilled off the floor after Michigan guard Louis Bullock fouled Michigan State guard David Thomas on a breakaway.

Tempers flared as Thomas and Bullock nearly came to blows. Then Traylor stepped in, assuming the role of bodyguard for the smaller Bullock.

"My job is being a leader on this team," Traylor said. "I thought I was doing what I was supposed to be doing."

Despite the lack of a verbal exchange - the Michigan co-captain maintained he didn't speak - Traylor received a technical foul.

Ever confident in his stature, he ventured an idea as to the referee's thinking.

"I guess it was just my physical presence."

01-12-98