Spartans continue hot start
ANN ARBOR, MI (AP) -- Lykendra Johnson had 17 points and 17 rebounds to lead No. 11 Michigan State to a 63-56 victory over Michigan on Sunday.
Brittney Thomas added 13 for Michigan State (15-1, 3-0 Big Ten). Veronica Hicks led Michigan (9-7, 2-2) with 20, but missed two key free throws in the final minute, including the front end of a one-and-one.
Both teams struggled in the first half of a game that started at noon. Michigan State led 27-22 at the half despite 14 turnovers. The Spartans caused 11 turnovers and were strong on the boards at both ends of the floor.
Michigan State led 41-34 with 10 minutes to play, but the Wolverines scored the next five points. Johnson ended the surge with a 3-point play, and Taylor Alton gave the Spartans an eight-point lead with a 3-pointer. Michigan State led by as many as 11, then held off a late Wolverine surge.
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