EAST LANSING- After opening the season as the No. 13 ranked team in America, the Michigan State men’s basketball team jumped to No. 8 in the Associated Press poll this week after knocking off Eastern Michigan 83-67 and Notre Dame 80-70.

The Spartans were able to handily beat Notre Dame on Saturday night. MSU trailed 26-22 in the 1st half before going on a 26-0 run that extended into the 2nd half. Aaron Henry and Rocket Watts combined for 27 points on 9-of-22 shooting. 

Joey Hauser notched the first double-double of his career, adding 10 points and 16 rebounds.  Marcus Bingham Jr. added seven points, seven rebounds and four blocks in the winning effort.

Last Wednesday, Michigan State opened the season with a victory against EMU 83-67. Foster Loyer led the squad with an impressive 20-point scoring performance that included six made 3-pointers. 

Joshua Langford scored 10 points in 21 minutes in his first game back since Dec. 29, 2018. Joey Hauser made his first career start for MSU, scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Hauser previously started 31 games at Marquette two years ago. 

The Spartans travel to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Dec. 1, where they will clash with No. 6 Duke.  MSU will be back at home on Friday and Sunday as they welcome in Detroit Mercy and Western Michigan.