Yes, the similarities between the addictive game and the Spartans are as long as Tom Izzo’s injury report throughout the season.

Friday night’s dominating 67-51 win against lowly Northwestern felt just like setting a new high score in the fantastic app.

And when the Spartans put in a performance like they have at different times throughout the second half of the season, it’s like not getting past that first pipe and getting a big fat zero.

Both Spartan basketball and Flappy Bird make you want to throw your phone across the room at times.

“We are going to be a work in progress with every game we play,” head coach Tom Izzo said.

Against the Wildcats, that work showed some progress.

In the first half, MSU almost made as many shots as Northwestern had shot attempts, and forced nine Northwestern turnovers.

With the exception of Adreian Payne, the team looked like the squad that beat up on the likes of Portland and New Orleans.

Branden Dawson was a force on the boards, grabbing nine rebounds, Keith Appling drove the ball with much less consideration for his injured wrist and Gary Harris hit big shots that he’s been expected to all year.

But the Spartans have been here before.

Seven straight wins to start the Big Ten season, but then a loss to Michigan, a narrow win in Iowa and gut wrenching loss to Georgetown. (The last being of the “phone-throwing” variety)

Another two good performances sandwiching a close loss at Wisconsin. And finally, a dominating win at Purdue followed by two embarrassing losses to Michigan and at home against Illinois.

The Spartans were abysmal against the top of the Big Ten, going a combined 1-5 against Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Ohio State.

Yes, this season has really been an up-and-down trip through the Flappy Bird world.

Friday’s performance was no doubt a step in the right direction, but like in Flappy Bird, it’s tough to keep going.

Zach Smith is a State News basketball reporter. Reach him at zsmith@statenews.com.