Michigan State University
Northwestern
Balanced Attack Leads Spartans Past Wildcats, 66-56
2/21/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb 21, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Chris Hill scored 16 points, including three 3-pointers, to help a balanced Michigan State beat Northwestern 66-56 on Saturday.
Paul Davis scored 15 and dominated inside. Maurice Ager had 11 off the bench and Alan Anderson added 12 points and six assists for the Big Ten leading Spartans (15-9, 10-3), who began the season at No. 3 before struggling with a 5-7 start.
Jitim Young topped all scorers with 25 points, but was the only player in double figures for the Wildcats (11-12, 6-6). Young was 9-for-14 from the field and had four steals.
Michigan State worked the ball inside, then back out against Northwestern's zone and was 9-for-18 from 3-point range. The Spartans outscored the Wildcats 27-6 beyond the arc to more than make up for a 14-3 deficit in free throws.
It was the 10th win in the last 12 games for Michigan State, which could lock up a fifth league title in seven years with wins at Michigan and Penn State and a victory over visiting Wisconsin.
The Spartans led 30-26 at halftime after building a 28-18 cushion. Michigan State had nine steals in the first 20 minutes to gain that advantage.
With Ager hitting 3-pointers from each corner, the Spartans stretched their lead to 51-37 with a 16-5 run. Northwestern answered with six straight points but never got closer than eight before the finish.
