EVANSTON -- Michigan State rode tremendous shooting to jump out in front and largely neutralized a great crowd from the tip. Northwestern struggled to get good looks early and got again found itself in a hole in a conference game on its home court. The biggest disparity between the first two teams was in three point shooting—Michigan State made 7 of their first 8 while Northwestern missed their first 7 before Bryant McIntosh finally connected with 8:29 remaining.
The sophomore carried Northwestern's offense, posting 10 points in the opening period. His rejection of Bryn Forbes at the rim brought out the loudest cheer from the student section, which was filled to capacity.