Spartans handle Northwestern, remain undefeated in Big Ten

Lucas, Summers each post season-high scoring totals

The No. 5 MSU men’s basketball team used an 18-4 run out of halftime to build a sizable lead against Northwestern on Saturday night at Breslin Center en route to a 79-70 win.

Junior guard Kalin Lucas had a season-high 23 points for the Spartans (19-3 overall, 9-0 Big Ten), who improved upon a program-best start to the conference slate. Junior guard Durrell Summers also had a season-high 24 points. John Shurna had 31 points for the visiting Wildcats after posting 29 in the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 2.

MSU took a 30-28 lead on the Wildcats (14-7, 3-6) into halftime and built on that out of the break. They out-rebounded the visitors 37-27 and shot nearly 52 percent in the contest. MSU also had 19 assists on 27 baskets while knocking down 22 free throws.

The Spartans have now won 41 of their last 44 games against Northwestern.

MSU will be back in action Tuesday when it travels to Wisconsin to face the Badgers (9 p.m., ESPN).

Check back with www.statenews.com for more tonight.