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By Jeff McKeown

The Memphis Tigers continued their winning ways this afternoon, defeating the Michigan State Spartans, 71-63. The two teams went toe to toe in the first half with Memphis building a nine point lead with 3:49 to play on a Tyrese Hunter dunk.

The Spartans were determined to hang tough and closed the half with an 8-2 run, capped off with a Jase Richardson three as time expired.

The Spartans came out strong in the second half, tying it 36-36 on a Jeremy Fears Jr. layup. However, the Tigers would take control from there, behind the shot-making of Hunter and PJ Haggerty. The Tigers built their largest lead to 15, 57-42, with 10:50 to play on  a Moussa Cisse old-fashioned three point play. MSU would cut it to five with 45 seconds to play, but could get no closer.

The Tigers got great performances from their backcourt with Hunter scoring 23 on several contested jumpers and Haggerty with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Freshman Jase Richardson led the Spartans with 18 and Jaden Akins added 12.

Photos: Lori McKeown