Michigan State beats Texas Tech, 79-76
Michigan State’s first win over Texas Tech came at the hands of a late run to the final minute and a Texas Tech comeback.
The Spartans (16-7, 8-3 Big Ten) pulled away from a 7-2 deficit with 7:06 remaining and kept the Blue Raiders (9-7 -4, 4-5) from taking the lead for good with 2:09 left.
Devin Robinson added 10 points for Michigan State.
After trailing by as many as 22 points early in the third quarter, the Spartans got within 67-63 on a 3-pointer by Justin Jackson with 4:23 remaining.
After a 7 2/3 second timeout, the Blue Raider’s Jeff Withey made a free throw to put Michigan State up 83-67.
Robinson’s layup made it 89-80.
After an early miss from Texas Tech’s Ryan Martin, Withey’s 3-point attempt gave Michigan State a 98-87 lead with 1:46 left.
Martin was fouled on the play, but he did not return to the game.
Michigan State hit 13 of 17 free throws in the game, and it was the Spartans’ first four-point lead since Feb. 7 against Indiana.
Michigan State led by as much as 16 points for most of the third.
It had 10 points in the first half, led by Robinson’s 13 points and the team’s 17 points in its last 13 minutes.
Texas Tech went on a 22-2 run midway through the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 76-70.
Martin scored 15 of his 18 points in a span of 1:24 to help Texas Tech pull away for good.
