For the second straight game, MSU was forced to play overtime after giving away a late game lead on the road.

This time, the Spartans (9-8 overall, 4-2 Big Ten) pulled it out, beating Minnesota (8-10, 0-6) 79-78 in a thriller.

MSU, trailing by one, had the ball with less than 15 seconds left in overtime. Sophomore center Paul Davis, who took a beating all night, got the ball in the post and was fouled on his shot.

He sank both free throws, which turned out to be the difference.

MSU had a late lead against Purdue last Sunday, but the Boilermakers forced overtime and eventually beat the Spartans.

The Spartans were lucky to even make it to overtime against Minnesota. They fought hard in the second half to overcome a 23-point first-half deficit but found themselves down by three with less than three seconds left in regulation.

MSU inbounded the ball to Davis who found sophomore guard Maurice Ager about 4 feet behind the 3-point line. Ager's desperation three was good, sending the game to overtime.

The Spartans were on pace for an embarrassing loss after the first half. They trailed 43-27 at halftime, but they came out in the second half with a greater sense of determination.

MSU got back in the game by scoring the first six points of the second half. The Gophers didn't give in to MSU's comeback attempt. Freshman forward Kris Humphries answered with four of his 28 points.

MSU took its first lead of the game with less than seven minutes left on two Davis free throws.

After shooting a dismal 33 percent in the first half, MSU regained its shooting touch in the second. Junior guard Chris Hill hit four 3-pointers in the second half. He finished with 16 points.