Michigan State's Keith Appling breaks from his slump

Coming into Wednesday’s game against Penn State, no Michigan State player had been struggling with his offensive game like Appling. In his three previous games he was 5-for-24 shooting, including 1-for-11 in a loss at Illinois last week.

Going back to basics works for Michigan State

Rarely has it been flashy, but just past the halfway point of the Big Ten season, Michigan State finds itself a game out of first place. The Spartans are doing it by taking care of the dirty work, which has been their staple.

Michigan State has its swagger back

Diligently and not so subtly, the Spartans are getting the look back, the one we know well. It has been on display most of the season, but now they’re determined to club people over the head with it.

Brandon Wood adjusts to coming off bench for Michigan State

The senior transfer from Valparaiso scored nine points, nailed a 3-pointer and grabbed four rebounds in 29 minutes. None of those numbers were far off Wood’s averages, but there was one difference — he did it coming off the bench.

Report: Police deny Spartan Trenton Robinson’s claims of unnecessary force

Former Michigan State football player Trenton Robinson says a Bay City police officer cursed at him and used unnecessary force during a December traffic stop.

Michigan State lands running back for Class of 2013

Gerald Holmes, a 6-foot, 205-pound running back from Flint Carman-Ainsworth, is Michigan State’s first verbal commitment from the class of 2013, rivals.com and 247sports reported.

MSU’s Mark Dantonio says ‘unethical’ comment wasn’t aimed at Ohio State

On signing day, Dantonio was asked several questions about what he thought about the practice of recruiting players who had already committed to another school. The coach was unhappy with how his comments were used.

With Ohio State game looming, MSU not taking Penn State for granted

Penn State (10-14, 2-9 Big Ten) comes to Breslin Center on Wednesday. And though the Nittany Lions are in last place in the conference, Spartans coach Tom Izzo isn’t looking past them.

They're feeling good in East Lansing again

The Spartans clearly were motivated to put a stop to what they viewed as a disturbing trend against the Wolverines, with Draymond Green, the senior captain who guaranteed a win last month, leading the way.

Draymond Green backs up bold words, MSU rolls over U-M

After Michigan State lost at Michigan a couple of weeks ago, Green guaranteed that his team would not lose to Michigan when the teams met again in East Lansing. Needless to say, it was on the Spartans' senior to produce.

• Photos: MSU 64, Michigan 54

Notebook: Michigan State targets, shuts down Michigan’s Trey Burke

While the Spartans dominated on the boards, their game plan wasn’t about dominating the Wolverines in rebounding. It centered more on stopping Michigan’s pick-and-roll plays spearheaded by Burke.

Draymond Green has plenty of motivation to play against Michigan

Green already had guaranteed a victory over Michigan. So the way he sees it, he doesn’t need a doctor’s note to play when the Spartans host their in-state rivals Sunday at the Breslin Center.

Keith Appling may be key to Michigan State victory

Appling had an outstanding start to the season and was as big a part of the Spartans’ 15-game winning streak as Green. But over the last two games, Appling has taken a step back.

MSU’s Draymond Green will play Sunday vs. U-M

Australian lifter eyes American football, maybe with MSU

A look at Michigan State’s five impact recruits

Backyard recruiting brawl is back on between Michigan, Michigan State

Receivers are biggest catch of Michigan State's impactful class

Notebook: Mark Dantonio says recruiting committed players 'unethical'

Receiver Monty Madaris sends letter-of-intent to MSU

With ’12 class, Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio stresses quality over quantity

MSU’s Draymond Green dodges serious injury, eyes return for U-M game

Only WR Monty Madaris’ letter-of-intent missing at Michigan State

MSU's Draymond Green has knee sprain, is 'day-to-day'

Michigan State suffers bruises in loss at Illinois

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, Illinois coach Bruce Weber share history

Recruiting contest between Michigan State, Ohio State becoming hostile

Poor shooting dooms Michigan State in loss to Illinois