Early on, the Spartans (9-2) struggled with 12 first half turnovers, including five by sophomore guard Branden Dawson, to go along with poor perimeter shooting against the Golden Tigers (1-5). After opening up the game on a 16-4 run, the Spartans battled their own turnovers and inefficient shooting to allow Tuskegee to stay in the game.

Still, the Spartans escaped the first half with the 33-26 lead in the team’s Jenison appearance.: statenews/top (State News Top Stories)

Appling was one of the few bright spots in the first half with 10 points on three-of-four shooting to carry the Spartans, who shot just 41.9 percent, including making just one bucket on eight attempts from beyond the arc, in the frame.

Early in the second half, the Spartans built the lead to double-digits, part of which included back-to-back fast break possessions by freshman Denzel Valentine and Brandan Kearney, respectively.

Nearing the midway point of the half, the Spartans went on a 14-1 run by attacking the paint and getting to the free throw line. It was the momentum the team needed to pull away and come away with a victory.

Appling continued his strong shooting in the second half, evident when he drained a big floater in the lane before being fouled and completing the three-point play with 9:32 to play in the game.

Senior center Derrick Nix finished the game with a his second career double-double, highlighted by a dunk on a lob pass by sophomore Travis Trice in the second half.

Nix tallied 11 points and 13 rebounds while Dawson overcame turnover trouble to chip in eight points in the winning effort.

The Spartans return to the floor for a non-conference road stint on Tuesday with Bowling Green (8 p.m., ESPNU).