The lead would stay with Penn State for most of the half as every time MSU fought back to within one, the Lions would go on a run.

That was until sophomore guard Kalisha Keane hit a 3-pointer of her own with 1:37 remaining in the half to give MSU a 29-28 lead.

Keane had a huge game for the Spartans, notching 12 points and three rebounds, and lead the team with six assists.

“I think it was a great team game just passing the ball, moving it, taking the best shots,” Keane said.

Sophomore guard Brittney Thomas would extend the lead to four with a 3-point play before halftime, helping MSU to a 32-30 lead at the break.

The second half wasn’t quite as close as the Spartans broke out offensively, going on an 8-0 run to start the period, extending the lead to 40-30.

MSU’s defense took over from there as the Spartans went on a 10-2 run, extending the lead to 62-43.

The Spartans would remain on top for the rest of the game, winning 70-59. Junior center Allyssa DeHaan lead the team with 17 points and six rebounds.

“I think we really came together today offensively,” head coach Suzy Merchant said. “We were making extra passes to get that ball inside. We’ve been working at it in practice. I really felt like there was a lot of kids that had a hand in it.”

The Spartans held the Big Ten’s second leading scorer Tyra Grant, who is averaging 19.3 points per game, to only seven points all game, the first time this season she didn’t score in double figures.

“I thought they defended her very well,” Penn State head coach Coquese Washington said. “Ty’s a great scorer and she’s been struggling a little with a groin injury, but that’s a credit to Michigan State’s defense.”

Four Spartans posted double-digit points and two more had eight points, while the team had 20 assists on 23 baskets. MSU also managed to outrebound Penn State 23-12 in the second half, giving the Spartans a 37-28 advantage in the game.

“I thought we shared the ball as good as we’ve shared it all year,” Merchant said. “I liked our energy at that end and I thought defensively we had great intent and focus as well. I think it is an opportunity for us to grow as a basketball team and mature and be playing our best basketball later in the season.”

The Spartans head back on the road to play Northwestern on Thursday. MSU beat the Wildcats in the first matchup this season 64-52. DeHaan scored 19 in that game as Northwestern centers Ellen and Amy Jaeschke sat much of the game with foul trouble.