Associated Press, December 21, 2016

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) Freshman Nick Ward scored a season-high 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds in his first start, helping Michigan State pull away to beat Oakland 77-65 on Wednesday night.

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The Spartans (8-5) closed their non-conference season with a desperately needed win, coming off a loss to Northeastern.

The Golden Grizzlies (9-3) lost to Northeastern at home on Tuesday night, giving them a tough turnaround.

Michigan State took control of the sloppy, foul-filled game with an 11-2 run midway through the second half. Ward later made a low-post shot off his own miss, giving the Spartans a 68-55 lead with 4:46 left.

The Spartans didn't have a player other than Ward score in double figures until late in the game. Eron Harris finished with 15 points. Cassius Winston had nine points and eight assists.

Oakland's Jalen Hayes scored 11 points in 12 minutes before fouling out. Stevie Clark had 13 points, Martez Walker scored 11 and Sherron Dorsey-Walker added 10 points for the Grizzlies.

BIG PICTURE

Oakland: The Grizzlies are testing themselves this week, scheduling consecutive games along with a game coming up against Georgia, and it should pay off for them in the Horizon League.

Michigan State: The Spartans shook up their lineup, starting Ward along with Winston and Matt Van Dyk for the first time this season. They also put Matt McQuaid back in the lineup and kept only Joshua Langford among the first five from the previous game.

INJURY REPORT

Miles Bridges missed his fifth straight game with a sprained left ankle. The standout freshman was wearing a protective boot on the bench during the game, but didn't have it on the previous night when he watched Michigan State's women's team lose to second-ranked Notre Dame.

UP NEXT

Oakland: The Grizzlies host Georgia on Friday night.

Michigan State: The Spartans open the Big Ten season Tuesday night at Minnesota.