Michigan State pulls away from Bowling Green

Gary Harris and Denzel Valentine scored 12 points apiece to lead No. 20 Michigan State to a 64-53 victory over Bowling Green on Tuesday night. Branden Dawson added 10 points for the Spartans (10-2), who struggled to put away the Falcons until late in the second half in a rare road game against a Mid-American Conference school.

Michigan State held Bowling Green (5-5) to just two points over a six-minute stretch in the second half to take control.

The Spartans went on a 14-2 run highlighted by Dawson's dunk after a steal, drawing a big cheer from the many Michigan State fans filling the Bowling Green arena.

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FINAL: In a game with several lead changes and momentum swings, No. 19 Michigan State prevailed over Bowling Green 64-53 on Tuesday at Stroh Center in Bowling Green. There were nine lead changes in the game. Denzel Valentine sparked Michigan State (10-2), as he scored 12 points, pulled down four rebounds, and knocked down 5-of-6 shot attempts in the win. The Spartans, who shot 48 percent from the field (26-of-54), also got solid contributions from Gary Harris (13 points) and Branden Dawson (10).

HALFTIME: Despite a back-and-forth affair in the first half, No. 19 Michigan State takes a 34-29 lead over Bowling Green to the locker room. The Spartans trailed 25-22 when they broke out for an 8-0 run to overtake the Falcons and seize a five-point lead.Bowling Green applied the pressure in the first half, earning second-chance opportunities with 11 offensive rebounds, to just five for the Spartans. The Falcons moved the ball in the first half, accounting for 10 assists on 11 field goals.