Appling hits 18 as Michigan State beats Iowa 85-66

Posted: 03.03.2011 at 12:12 AM

      EAST LANSING, Mich. - Freshman Keith Appling pulled through
for Michigan State on Senior Night, scoring 18 points to help the
Spartans beat Iowa 85-66 Wednesday night in their last scheduled
home game.
      Michigan State (17-12, 9-8 Big Ten) has won four of six to
improve its shot of earning a 14th straight NCAA tournament bid.
The Spartans play rival Michigan on Saturday in a matchup of teams
on the bubble.
      The Hawkeyes (10-19, 3-14) have lost six straight games in the
conference for a second time under first-year coach Fran McCaffery.
      The Spartans took control with an 11-2 run midway through the
second half, building a big lead they easily maintained.
      Michigan State's Kalin Lucas scored 17 and Draymond Green had 12
points.
      Melsahn Basabe and Matt Gatens each had 13 points, Bryce
Cartwright scored 11 and Jarryd Cole added 10 for the last-place
Hawkeyes.