The 21st-ranked Michigan St. Spartans beat the Texas Southern Tigers, 69-41, on Sunday afternoon in their first home game of the season, playing a dominant brand of defense to offset some shaky shooting. It's the Spartans' second straight victory after losing their season opener, 66-62, to the Connecticut Huskies in Germany.
No. 21 Michigan State vs. Texas Southern: Spartans win, 69-41
Michigan State continues to rebound from its season-opening defeat, this time by blowing out Texas Southern, 69-41, in its home opener.
Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE
While the Spartans shot just 2 of 13 from three-point range to depress their point total, it hardly mattered, considering the level of defense they played. The Tigers shot just 21 percent from the field during the game, making a total of 12 baskets over 40 minutes.
With a 40-19 lead by halftime, Michigan State took the foot off the pedal in the second half, allowing some bench players to see floor time. The Spartans still expanded their lead, though, as the Tigers tried and failed to make a comeback by raining down three-point shots, making just 5 of 31 attempts during the game.
Branden Dawson had a strong all-around game for Michigan State, recording 13 points, six rebounds and five steals, but Gary Harris led all scorers with 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
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