Final Score: (10) Michigan State 77, Northwestern 66

Evanston, IL (Sports Network) - Raymar Morgan posted 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting while adding 13 rebounds and the 10th-ranked Michigan State Spartans used a strong second half to down the Northwestern Wildcats, 77-66.

Chris Allen had 17 points, while Kalin Lucas contributed 17 points and nine assists for the Spartans (11-2, 2-0 Big Ten), who have won seven straight since losing to top-ranked North Carolina.

Kevin Coble scored a team-high 17 points for the Wildcats (8-4, 0-2), who have dropped three of four. Craig Moore made four three-pointers en route to a 16-point night, while Michael Thompson added 11 points in the loss.

Down one at halftime, Michigan State began the second half with a 12-0 spurt to take a 44-33 lead 4 1/2 minutes in. Allen had eight of the points, as the Spartans made their first four shot attempts of the half.

Michigan State maintained about a 10-point edge throughout most of the second half, not allowing Northwestern to go on any extended offensive runs. Durrell Summers' layup with 5 1/2 minutes left put the visitors up 68-55, and Delvon Roe's layup two minutes later put the Spartans up by five.

The Wildcats didn't get closer than 11 the rest of the way.

Both teams played close early, as Lucas' three-pointer 7:16 into the game gave Michigan State a slim 18-15 edge.

Northwestern went in front late in the opening half, as Moore capped a 7-0 run with a three that gave the Wildcats a 31-28 edge with three minutes left. Allen cut Michigan State's halftime deficit to 33-32 with a three- pointer in the final minute.

Game Notes

Michigan State leads the all-time series, 77-36, including 12 straight victories...The Spartans shot 46 percent from the field, while Northwestern shot only 40.7 percent.

01/03 21:20:16 ET