Box Score Men's Hoops Play No. 1 Spartans Tough on the Road

Box Score I Radio Highlights

EAST LANSING, Mich. --- The Portland Pilots led late in the first half and tied the game midway through the second half, but the No. 1 Michigan State Spartans pulled away late for an 82-67 victory on Monday night in the opening round of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at the Breslin Center. Junior guard Kevin Bailey led three Pilots in double figures with 12 points on the night.

Portland (1-2) had a 32-31 lead late in the opening period, but the Spartans (4-0) scored the final five points to take a 36-32 halftime lead. Michigan State scored the first four points of the second period, but the Pilots used back-to-back baskets from Ryan Nicholas and Volodymyr Gerun to tie it up at 46-46.

Travis Trice drilled a three-pointer and converted a steal for a fast break layup to give the Spartans a 5-1-46 lead. Michigan State used a 13-5 run to push the margin to double digits and the Pilots would get no closer.

Rebounding proved to be the difference on Monday night as the Spartans collected 15 offensive rebounds and gained a 24-9 margin in second chance points.

Senior guard Keith Appling led the Spartans with a game-high 25 points and seven assists. He drilled all five of his three-point attempts and was 6-for-6 from the free throw line.

Ryan Nicholas and Bobby Sharp finished will 11 points apiece and have both reached double figures all three games this year.

Portland will continue the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic by hosting three games at the Chiles Center starting on Thursday. The Pilots will host Idaho on Thursday at 5 p.m., Columbia on Friday at 7 p.m. and conclude the tournament on Saturday against North Texas at 7 p.m.