Big Second Half Helps No. 16 Michigan State Beat No. 20 Penn State, 79-71

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Tom Izzo thought his No. 16 Michigan State squad lacked toughness earlier this season.
To his pleasure, the Spartans played their grittiest game all year and gave themselves a chance to win what Izzo calls the most physical conference.
Xavier Tillman Sr. scored 23 points and had 15 rebounds to lead Michigan State over No. 20 Penn State 79-71 on Tuesday night. After No. 9 Maryland’s loss to Rutgers, the Terps and Spartans are tied for the top spot in the Big