The Michigan State Spartans solidified sole possession of first place in the Big Ten with a 76-62 win over the Purdue Boilermakers on Sunday. Nine of Draymond Green's 20 points came from beyond the arc in another dominant performance.
Feb 19, 2012 - Since losing to Illinois on Jan. 31, the Michigan State Spartans have been on a warpath, reeling off five straight wins including victories over No. 17 Michigan, No. 15 Wisconsin, and No. 6 Ohio State. The Purdue Boilermakers were the latest victims to fall in front of MSU, losing 76-62 on Sunday to put the Spartans alone atop the Big Ten standings.
Draymond Green led the way for the Spartans, as he has throughout the winning streak. He did plenty of damage in the paint, hauling in 10 rebounds and dishing seven assists. He also spread his game to beyond the arc, making 3-of-4 three-point attempts for nine of his 20 points.
The Boilermakers kept the game tight through the first half, taking a 38-35 lead into the locker room. That's when they went cold, however, going more than six minutes without a point to start the second half. Robbie Hummel scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, but a 1-of-9 performance from beyond the three-point line didn't help matters. Nor did a 38-27 rebounding advantage for Michigan State. The Spartans have been dominant on the boards this season, averaging 39.6 per game in the low-tempo Big Ten.
Austin Thornton added 17 points, and Branden Dawson had 15 on top of his 11 rebounds. The Spartans are now a full game ahead of Michigan and Ohio State in the conference, with Minnesota, Nebraska, Indiana and Ohio State left to close out the season.
For more on the Spartans, head over to the SB Nation blog The Only Colors. For more on the Boilermakers, check out Hammer And Rails. For more results and news from around the country, stay tuned to SB Nation's college basketball hub.
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No. 7 Michigan State Vs. Purdue: Spartans Keep Rolling, Down Boilermakers 76-62
Feb 19
