The Michigan State Spartans survived a sluggish December afternoon effort to overcome an upset effort by High Point, defeating the Panthers, 81-68.
The Spartans were shorthanded coming into the game, being without four players including two key starters in Marcus Bingham Jr. and Max Christie. Julius Marble and Jaden Akins took over in the starting lineup for the two missing Spartans.
It was a tough first half, the Spartans did not score a basket in the first four minutes of game time, but found their scoring touch eventually. MSU went into the break down 35-34.
Coach Izzo must have lit a fire under his team at halftime because the Spartans came out strong in the second half, reestablishing a lead and winning the second half 47-33 en route to a 81-68 final score.
Gabe Brown led the way for Michigan State, scoring 24 points. Although Brown was great, the game MVP award goes to Joey Hauser who had a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Five Spartans scored in double figures in the game aiding the offense in the win.
The Spartans will be back in action on Sunday in a conference matchup against Northwestern on the road.