No. 8 Michigan State was never threatened Tuesday night as four Spartans scored in double figures en route to a 75-52 victory over the No. 4 Michigan Wolverines in a rivalry week Big Ten showdown in East Lansing, Mich.
No. 4 Michigan vs. No. 8 Michigan State final score: Spartans dismantle in-state rivals, 75-52
In a matchup of nationally ranked Big Ten powers, Michigan State dominated Michigan Tuesday night, running the Wolverines out of the gym to the tune of a 75-52 victory.
USA TODAY Sports
For more on this game, head over to THE ONLY COLORS and MAIZE N BREW.
Gary Harris led the Spartans with 17 points and nailed five three-pointers to power Michigan State to the statement home win.
The Spartans, who now sit alone in first place in the Big Ten, led by 14 at halftime in a game that was never really close and ran the Wolverines out of the gym in the second half. That big second half included a 19-7 run that pushed the Spartans’ lead to 26 with just more than 10 minutes to go.
That lead eventually grew to as many as 31 on a Keith Appling free throw at the 5:58 mark. Appling had 11 points and seven rebounds in the win.
As a team, Michigan State ran a disciplined offense. Four Spartans had at least three assists, the team had 18 in total, and the Spartans turned the ball over just eight times.
Trey Burke had 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting to lead Michigan, whose 52 points was its lowest total of the season.
Fortunately for the Wolverines, they will have a chance to make up for Tuesday’s blowout loss. The Spartans visit Ann Arbor on March 2.
See More:
