Posted at 3:58 p.m., Saturday, December 22, 2007
CBKB: No. 9 Michigan St. stops No. 4 Texas, 78-72
By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer
The Spartans (11-1) took control of the game with a 13-0 run toward the end of the first half and didn't let the Longhorns (11-1) back in it until the final minute.
A.J. Abrams made a flurry of 3-pointers, including one that pulled it within five points with 22 seconds left, and Texas had a chance to get closer when Lucas missed two free throws on the ensuing possession.
But Raymar Morgan blocked D.J. Augustin's layup to essentially seal the win.
Abrams and Augustin scored 24 and 22 points, respectively, but they combined to shoot 15-of-37 as Texas struggled offensively for the first time this season against a physical and athletic team.
The Longhorns entered the game shooting 51 percent overall, 44 percent on 3-pointers, and were averaging 84 points with a 22-point margin of victory.
Michigan State held Texas to 39 percent shooting from the field, 38 percent on 3s, and well below its scoring average, snapping the Longhorns' best start since the 1981-82 season.
