Rosemont, Ill. — If ever there was a team that was finished by halftime, Michigan State sure looked like that team.
Through the first 20 minutes Saturday against Northwestern, the second-ranked team in the nation could hardly make a shot while the Wildcats could hardly miss. The pro-MSU crowd at Allstate Arena was stunned while the smaller home contingent was as loud as it’s been this season.
Michigan State found itself behind by 27 points late in the first half and down 22 at halftime while its best player — Miles Bridges — was committing fouls and throwing the ball while the usually stout defense was offering little resistance.