Keith Appling scored 13 points and No. 13 Michigan State used a big run in the first half to romp past undermanned Nicholls State 84-39 Saturday.
EAST LANSING (AP) -- Keith Appling scored 13 points and No. 13 Michigan State used a big run in the first half to romp past undermanned Nicholls State 84-39 Saturday.
Michigan State (6-2) led 10-9 eight minutes into the game before outscoring the Colonels 27-4 during the rest of the opening half.
Nicholls State (1-3) was missing three starters because of injuries or illness. Coach J.P. Piper had only eight players to work with.
After a loss Wednesday to Miami, the Spartans looked a bit lethargic at the start. They seemed to find their rhythm after the second TV timeout, and seven different players scored as they took a 37-13 lead at the break.
Adrien Payne added 10 and 12 rebounds for Michigan State. Gary Harris and Denzel Valentine each had 11 points.
T.J. Carpenter fouled out with 11 points for the Colonels.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
