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Michigan State Beats Nebraska, Improves Tournament Prospects

By Colton Wesley

Feb 2, 2017; Lincoln, NE, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) reacts during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Lincoln, NE, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) reacts during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Michigan State Spartans picked up a helpful conference win on Thursday night on the road against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The Michigan State Spartans (14-9, 6-4) put a little more space between themselves and the bubble on Thursday with a 72-61 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-6, 10-12).

An 11-2 run gave Michigan State a 20-13 lead halfway through the first half. Miles Bridges scored 11 points and the Spartans led by as many as eight points in the first half and went into halftime with a 32-26 lead. The Spartans shot 14/28 (50%) from the floor in the first half to the Cornhuskers’ 9/25 (36%) performance, although Nebraska led the battle on the glass, 18-13.

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The Spartans continued to shoot well in the second half, making 15 of 24 attempts (62.5%) from the floor and 8 of 11 three-point attempts.  The Cornhuskers cut the lead to two early in the half but never got any closer. A Joshua Langford three-pointer gave Michigan State its largest lead of the game, 70-50, with less than five minutes left and the Spartans cruised to a 72-61 win.

The Spartans were outrebounded 32-27 and Nebraska grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, but an outstanding shooting night (29/52, 55.8%) carried Michigan State as the Cornhuskers struggled from the floor overall (20/52, 38.5%) and from beyond the arc (4/16, 25%).

Five Spartans scored in double-digits, led by Miles Bridges with 16 points and six rebounds. Alvin Ellis III scored 11 and made all three of his three-point attempts, and Kenny Goins made each of his five field goal attempts, scoring ten points in the start.

Tai Webster led Nebraska with 18 points and five assists. Jordy Tshimanga grabbed nine rebounds and scored 15 points.

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Michigan State will have their rematch with Michigan on the road on Tuesday at 9:00 on ESPN or ESPN2.

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