The last time Northwestern won a game against a top-5 opponent was in 1979 against the Spartans, and after the first half Wednesday night, they’re in prime position to do it again.
Still, the No. 4 men’s basketball team leads Northwestern 26-22 after one half of play in Evanston, Ill.
The Spartans came out with their ninth different starting lineup in the last 12 games after being without senior forward Adreian Payne and limited availability from junior forward Branden Dawson.
Sophomore guard Gary Harris showed his strength early, scoring four points, grabbing a rebound and getting one steal in the first minute and a half of the game.
Despite fighting a virus, Dawson saw time early getting block and tip-in after coming off the bench. He also saved a MSU possession, and found junior guard Travis Trice wide open to tie the game at 10 early on.
The Spartans have the the best 3-point field goal percentage in the Big Ten, but missed their first eight shots from behind the arc.
Redshirt freshman Kenny Kaminski picked up right where he left off against Minnesota, and hit the Spartans’ first long ball of the game with just over five minutes left in the half.
Near the end of the period, Appling came up holding his right arm after taking off on the fast break. He would stay in the game.
MSU finished 1of-11 from 3-point range, but 11-of-16 from inside the arc. Northwestern finished 9-of-28 from the floor, but outrebounded the Spartan, 17-of-19.
Harris led the Spartans with eight points, while Appling tallied three points and two assists. JerShon Cobb led Northwestern with eight points and four rebounds.
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