The Michigan State Spartans (9-2), going for their 10th straight win of the season, are struggling with the Bowling Green Falcons (5-4) on their own floor Saturday night. At the half, they are holding on to just a two point lead, 35-33.
What might be more disconcerting for the Spartans is that they held the Falcons to 37-percent shooting in the first half while shooting 44-percent themselves, but Bowling Green has 11 more shot attempts than MSU. The Spartans are getting beat on the boards and can't stop Jordon Crawford who has 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting. Forward A'uston Calhoun has added eight points and six rebounds for Bowling Green.
Derrick Nix is Michigan State's leading scorer with eight points on 2-of-5 shooting. He also has four rebounds.
Coach Tom Izzo was visibly upset with his players throughout the first half for allowing Bowling Green to hang around.
The Spartans are ranked in the Top 25 for the first time this season after their win over Gonzaga last weekend. After Bowling Green, they have two more tune ups before they start the Big Ten schedule against No. 20 Indiana on December 28.