Hauser nets 24, No. 8 Michigan St. tops Western Mich. 79-61
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Joey Hauser had a career-high 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, leading No. 8 Michigan State to a 79-61 win over Western Michigan on Sunday night.
The Spartans (5-0) seemed flat for a second straight game at home after beating No. 6 Duke with an inspired effort on the road. They led the Broncos (0-2) by just two points midway through the second half and trailed for six-plus minutes in the game.
Hauser, who made a career-high six 3-pointers on 10 attempts, helped Michigan State pull away with a 19-6 run that was capped by his shot just inside the school’s logo.
Western Michigan played for the first time since Nov. 25, when it lost by four points at Butler, returning to competition after its program and another team had COVID-19 issues.
Michigan State, which barely beat Detroit 83-76 on Friday night, was sluggish early. The start may have been slowed by Aaron Henry being forced to come off the bench because he was late to a team meeting.
Henry finished with 12 points and five assists, while Rocket Watts had 10 points and six assists.
The Spartans led 39-35 at halftime and didn’t built a cushion until late in the game.
Western Michigan had its two previous games canceled because of coronavirus issues at Trine and at Notre Dame, due to a small outbreak within the Broncos’ program.
BIG PICTURE
Western Michigan: First-year coach Clayton Bates can be proud of his team’s showing after being off for more than 10 days and facing one of the nation’s top teams.
Michigan State: The deep and talented team is playing well in stretches and very poorly at times, a concern for coach Tom Izzo.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
The Spartans should move up in the Top 25 on Monday after winning three games, including over No. 6 Duke.
UP NEXT
Western Michigan: Hosts Adrian College, a Division III school, on Monday night.
Michigan State: Plays at No. 15 Virginia on Wednesday night, matching up Hauser with his brother, Sam, who also transferred from Marquette.
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