Michigan State took the title in the Coaches Vs Cancer Classic in Brooklyn, New York this weekend. The Spartans defeated Virginia Tech 96-77 on Friday and Oklahoma University 87-76 on Saturday.

The Spartans started their weekend in the Big Apple with a dominant game from Adreian Payne, who led the team with a career-high 29 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Payne was dominant in the low post and shot 4-6 from behind the arc.

Payne did not do it all himself however, Keith Appling, Branden Dawson and Gary Harris were all in double figures for the game. Harris struggled from the floor, shooting just 2-12 from behind the arc and 6-19 total.

Dawson turned in one of his two double-doubles on the weekend scoring 10 points and collecting 10 rebounds.

Payne was unable to match his career night Saturday in Michigan State’s win over Oklahoma but Appling made up for it. Appling scored 10 of his 27 points in the first half but picked up his third foul early in the second half. He was able to avoid further foul trouble and looked aggressive driving to the basket, opening up passing opportunities.

These opportunities helped Harris and Dawson score 21 and 18 points respectively. Dawson once again grabbed 10 rebounds.

Maybe it’s something about games in a neutral site, but the Spartans looked more like the number one team in the nation than they did in their previous two home games. Getting production from four of five starters shows the depth and talent that this team possesses.

Michigan State heads back to the Breslin to face Mount St Mary’s Friday at 1 p.m.

Impact Stat

-Matt Costello has started every game for the Spartans but has only averaged  two points and three rebounds a game.

Andrew Hayes is the host of Impact Izzone for Impact Sports.

Photo: David Defever