Spartans Make 18-0 Run To Pull Away From Oakland

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Keith Appling shook off a sprained right ankle in the first half and finished with 20 points to help No. 15 Michigan State beat Oakland 70-52 Friday night.

The Spartans (4-1) have won four straight since starting the season with a loss to Connecticut in Germany.

The Golden Grizzlies (2-4) never led, but didn't make Michigan State's night easy until late in the game.

Oakland cut its deficit to four points with 6 1/2 minutes left, then Appling made a 3-pointer to help Michigan State pull away.

The Spartans closed the game with an 18-0 run.

Michigan State's Adreian Payne scored 15 points, Denzel Valentine had 10 points and 10 assists and Derrick Nix added 10 points.

Duke Mondy scored 16 for the Golden Grizzlies.

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