Despite facing the highest-scoring team in the Big Ten, MSU’s defense was on display early as they only allowed Iowa to score one field goal in the first five minutes.

At the same time, the Spartans’ shooting efforts were on display after sophomore guard Denzel Valentine and junior guard Travis Trice both hit three-pointers to give MSU an early 10-4 lead.

Redshirt freshman forward Kenny Kaminski made his first three-pointer since the game against Illinois on Jan. 18, when he nailed one midway through the half.

MSU went 4-of-13 from behind the arc, while Iowa finished 0-of-4.

Iowa went on a 11-2 run midway through the half to take the lead.

Five Spartans got on the scoresheet before the Big Ten’s scoring leader, sophomore guard Gary Harris, did when he slashed through the Hawkeye defense to end a five minute field goal drought and give MSU the lead back.

Harris finished the half with two points, five rebounds and two assists.

MSU committed 11 fouls in the half and the Hawkeyes capitalized on it, sinking 12-of-16 from the charity stripe.

Even with an injured wrist, senior guard Keith Appling clawed the Spartans back into the thick of it when he drove to the hoop and completed a three-point play.

Valentine led MSU in scoring with six points while Appling added five. Roy Devyn Marble led Iowa with eight points.