From tip-off Thursday night things were certainly different for the Spartan men's basketball team.

Showing the defensive intensity it lacked in its first exhibition, MSU battled its way to a 56-55 decision over the Nike Elite team at Breslin Center.

"We just went after them before they went after us," sophomore guard Alan Anderson said. "We just got out there on defense, that's something we didn't do the first game so we knew we had to pick up on that."

With two major minute-grabbers sidelined and four more ailing with various injuries, the Spartans had an excuse to take it easy in their last exhibition game, but came out with a vengeance anyway.

MSU let no rebound fall uncontested and had a hand in on nearly every shot, holding the Nike squad to 28.1 percent shooting the first 20 minutes, and 32.7 percent for the game.

MSU played the in-your-face defense of old, stripping the ball from Nike Elite players on nine occasions and forcing 15 turnovers.

"This game we played a lot harder and I think our defense was better," senior forward Adam Ballinger said. "But we just can't finish things out right now."

Ballinger led the way for the Spartans, snagging 10 boards in the first half alone. Ballinger finished the game with 14 rebounds and 12 points, just short of sophomore guard Alan Anderson's team-leading 13.

MSU went into the locker room celebrating a nine-point lead.

In the second half several ailing Spartan starters took a rest on the bench, allowing Nike Elite to creep back into the game. MSU maintained an intense level, but was outscored 28-13 in the final 16 minutes.

Head coach Tom Izzo expressed his frustration with the many injuries, saying the squad lacks continuity simply because they have not been healthy enough to play together.

"We had a big lead early and then I subbed everybody just because I think I have to do it," head coach Tom Izzo said. "These injuries are just eating us alive."

Ballinger agreed player injuries have been a big issue as of late, but said the depth of MSU's roster will aid the recovery process.

"Last year we were beat up, and we started feeling sorry for ourselves. This year, we have enough guys that can step up for the guys that are out."

The Spartans open their regular season Nov. 22 against UNC Asheville. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Breslin Center.