Spartans Get Past Wildcats In OT

The Michigan State Spartans outlasted a pesky Northwestern team defeating the Wildcats 84-77 in overtime Sunday afternoon at Breslin Center. Michigan State (12-5, 3-1 Big Ten) opened the game on a 9-0 run but the Wildcats (10-6, 0-3) fought back on the strength of seven three point baskets to tie the game 40-40 at the half. Tre Demps hit two free throws with 28 seconds left to give Northwestern the lead but Denzel Valentine then hit two of his own to tie the game with 18.5 left and send the game in to the extra session  Michigan State then outscored the Wildcats 12-5 in overtime to seal the win. Michigan State had five players in double figures led by Travis Trice who scored 18 and added 10 assists. Valentine added 17, Branden Dawson and Gavin Schilling added 13 apiece and Bryn Forbes chipped in 12. Northwestern was led by Bryant McIntosh who scored 18. Michigan State will next travel to Maryland for a rematch with the Terrapins Saturday afternoon. Pregame coverage begins at 3:00 pm on Lansing's Big Talker 1240 WJIM and Classic Rock 94.9 WMMQ.