After starting the season with consecutive losses to North Carolina on an aircraft carrier and Duke in Madison Square Garden, Michigan State has rolled through four straight cupcake opponents, including this 72-40 win over the Eastern Michigan Eagles on Sunday afternoon.
In Michigan State's first ever trip to the Convocation Center and first game at Eastern Michigan since 1987 when they played at the old Bowen Field House, the Spartans manhandled the Eagles. It started on the boards, where Michigan State is ranked fourth in the nation. The Spartans outrebounded the Eagles 49-29 and held the Eagles to 29-percent shooting from the field. The Eagles were never closer than 13 points in the second half.
Draymond Green had 14 points and 13 rebounds to lead Michigan State. Sophomore guard J.R. Sims had a career high 14 points for Eastern Michigan. Adreian Payne had his best game as a Spartan, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
Michigan State is back at the Breslin on Wednesday night vs. Florida State. Eastern Michigan heads to Syracuse on Tuesday night, when Detroit Country Day graduate DaShonte Riley will make his Eagles debut vs. his old team.