EAST LANSING - Michigan State forwards Raymar Morgan and Delvon Roe combined for 28 points to offset a sensational 25 point, 15 rebound performance by IPFW's Deilvez Yearby and lead MSU to a 80-58 win over the Mastodons.
While the Spartans workmanlike effort resulted in their ninth win, it wasn't easy as the Mastadons cut the Spartans lead to just six at the half.
Yearby was oustanding early, pouring in 17 first half points before MSU was able to cool down his touch with a good second-half defensive effort. But the key to IPFW's ability to keep the first half close was their effort on the glass, outrebounding MSU 22-18 in the first half.
Draymond Green continued his super play off the bench for MSU, giving them a lift with six points, five rebounds and six assists against just one turnover. In assuming more of a point forward role, Green led MSU in assists as Kalin Lucas struggled through a ten point, five assist game.
MSU's bench continues to struggle in the early going with their ability to make shots. Durrell Summers shot just 25% from the field, but added nine points, Korie Lucious was just 2-of-6 and had four turnovers.
The Spartans had better turn up their intensity big time as they get ready for a prime time game against #2 and perhaps soon to be #1 Texas (10-0) who throttled North Carolina 103-90.
The Tar Heels whipped the Spartans 89-82 at the Breslin Center earlier this year.