EAST LANSING, MI — Michigan State rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to post an 80-75 victory over Illinois on Thursday night.
Keith Appling had 24 points and added eight rebounds and seven assists as the Spartans outscored the Illini 53-38 in the second half.
Michigan State improved to 18-4 overall and 7-2 in the Big Ten, while Illinois dropped to 15-7 and 2-6 in conference play.
John Tautges and Steve Lappas called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(Adreian Payne slams it home and the Spartans lead 12-10)
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(Illinois goes up 25-15 on a D.J. Richardson three-pointer)
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(Myke Henry’s basket makes it 37-27 late in the first half)
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(Keith Appling lays it in to cut the lead to 37-31)
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(Gary Harris’ three-pointer gives MSU a 39-37 lead)
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(Appling’s triple makes it 68-62 Spartans)
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(Braden Dawson slams home an alley-oop to put the exclamation point on a Michigan State win)
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(Postgame recap from John Tautges and Steve Lappas)
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