The Spartans beat Rutgers, 81-74, at MSG

On By Littum

NEW YORK – Michigan State basketball continued to spread the wealth Saturday afternoon, as the Spartans’ bench outscored the starters in a 81-74 win over Rutgers at Madison Square Garden.

Jase Richardson led coach Tom Izzo’s Spartans with 20 points and Coen Carr scored 14 and provided highlights on both ends as MSU (17-2, 8-0 Big Ten) remains the only Big Ten team undefeated in conference play. It has won 12 in a row.

The bench poured in 50 points and MSU dominated the paint to offset 15 turnovers.

Top-5 projected NBA draft pick Dylan Harper (ankle) was limited to bench minutes for Rutgers (10-10, 3-6), and did not play the final 6:30 p.m. The Spartans checked the Scarlet Knights’ other top-5 projected pick, Ace Bailey, who was 4-for-17 with 18 points. Jordan Derkack scored 26 off the bench for Rutgers.

More: MSU women’s basketball dominated Michigan, 88-58, in the first-ever ranked matchup

This story will be updated.

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