Walton providing extra offense for MSU

ORLANDO, Fla. - Travis Walton reached double figures in scoring once last season.

He's done it twice this weekend.

No one is ready to call Walton the next Shawn Respert, but something's going on with the Michigan State senior guard. He scored a career-high 16 points Thursday against Maryland, then followed it up with 16 more Friday against Oklahoma State.

The Lima, Ohio, native has hit 15 of 20 shots, most of them from outside, showing accuracy seen often in practices but rarely in games.

"That's the Travis Walton I know," MSU senior forward Marquise Gray said. "That's the Lima Senior (High) Travis Walton right there."

Walton and No. 5 MSU (3-1) play Wichita State (3-2) at about 1 p.m. today on the final day of the Old Spice Classic. Wichita State lost 58-50 to Georgetown on Thursday, the beat Siena 72-70 on Friday.

MSU was routed 80-62 by Maryland on Thursday, then beat Oklahoma State 94-79 on Friday. The lone constant in both games was Walton's shooting.

"I've been praying," Walton said when asked how he has improved his stroke. "I've been working on my game and praying to God that I come out with confidence."

With that confidence has come more of a locker-room presence. Walton is a three-year captain and the most vocal Spartan, but it's difficult to lead when you are struggling on the floor.

"He's starting to lead this team like he led it last year," MSU coach Tom Izzo said of Walton. "He's kind of being half coach, half player - and a better player, to be honest with you."

Late in the win over Oklahoma State, Walton learned that sophomore guard Kalin Lucas had nine assists. He asked Izzo to leave Lucas in the game longer so he could reach double figures.

Lucas hit 10 assists seconds later on a Walton jump shot.

"That's players looking out for players," Izzo said, "and that's pretty cool."

Some assumed Walton would take on a lesser role this season, considering MSU's depth of offensively skilled perimeter players. But through four games, he is second on the team in minutes (27.5) and third in scoring (8.8).

And while Walton will never be the first option on an offensive set, he can help MSU's offense considerably by making some jumpers here and there.

"Trav has a lot of confidence right now," Lucas said. "When Trav is hitting shots, it just makes everything better for us."