Spartans rally past Gonzaga

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State’s winning streak at home against nonconference teams was in jeopardy.

The second-ranked Spartans – and their fans – refused to let it end against Gonzaga.

Durrell Summers hit a go-ahead three-pointer with a few minutes left, made two at the line in the final seconds, and finished with 21 points and a career-high 11 rebounds to help Michigan State rally for a 75-71 win against the Bulldogs on Tuesday night.

“It was the kind of game we needed, especially this early in the year,” Summers said.

The Spartans (2-0) won their 41st consecutive game at home against a nonconference team, extending a streak that started after a loss to Duke on Dec. 3, 2003.

“There’s no question the crowd won that game for us,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. “If you were down there, you could hear it.”

Robert Sacre matched a career high with 17 points for the Bulldogs (1-1) despite playing just 19 minutes.

“He was really making a difference in there, then his minutes got limited because of the fouls,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. “That hurt us.”

Gonzaga freshman Elias Harris scored 17, Matt Bouldin had 15 points and Steven Gray added 13.

Kalin Lucas made a layup with 39 seconds left to give Michigan State a three-point lead and finished with 19 points.

Raymar Morgan scored 16 off the bench despite playing on a sprained left ankle and injuring his right ankle in the first half.

“I am really proud of Ray,” Izzo said.

Michigan State scored first, then trailed Gonzaga for much of the game.

The Bulldogs led by 13 midway through the first half and were ahead 35-30 at halftime.

They built another double-digit lead early in the second half, but were hurt by the 7-foot Sacre getting called for a third foul and 7-5 reserve Will Foster getting a fourth foul shortly after halftime.