MSU 61, Illinois 57
EAST LANSING (WWJ) - The Spartans get a much-needed win over Illinois Saturday night, beating the Fighting Illini 61-57 in East Lansing.
Kalin Lucas scored 25 points, lifting Michigan State to the win. Lucas didn't get much help offensively. Keith Appling scored nine points, Durrell Summers had all eight of his points in the first half and Delvon Roe added eight.
"Two teams that respected each other but really battled," MSU head coach Tom Izzo said post game.
The Spartans (15-11, 7-7 Big Ten) have won two of three after losing five of six to bolster their shot at playing in a 14th straight NCAA tournament.
The Fighting Illini (17-10, 7-7) have lost three of five to make it more difficult to earn one of the coveted 68 spots in college basketball's showcase next month.
Michigan State scored nine straight points after the game was tied at 51 to pull away in a closely contested game that had postseason-like intensity.
Demetri McCamey had 15 points, Mike Davis scored 15 and Brandon Paul added 12 for Illinois.
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(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
