EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) Freshman Nick Ward scored a season-high 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds in his first start, helping Michigan State pull away to beat Oakland 77-65 on Wednesday night.
The Spartans (8-5) closed their non-conference season with a desperately needed win, coming off a loss to Northeastern.
The Golden Grizzlies (9-3) lost to Northeastern at home on Tuesday night, giving them a tough turnaround.
Michigan State took control of the game with an 11-2 run midway through the second half. Ward later made a low-post shot off his own miss, giving the Spartans a 68-55 lead with 4:46 left.