EAST LANSING – Michigan State basketball got another good test on Tuesday, but held on for a 83-75 win over Samford at Breslin Center.
The Spartans got off to another dire start on Tuesday, falling down by double digits to Samford, but a big run in the first half led by Jaden Akins helped them take back control of the game.
Akins scored a career-high 25 points and finally got the 3-point shot to fall, going 3-for-7 behind the arc, but even as the Spartans’ lead teetered around 10 points, a feisty Samford squad was able to keep it close.
The Bulldogs simply wouldn’t quit down the stretch and kept the pressure on right down to the wire. Akins fouled out for Michigan State on a debatable call, but MSU made enough free throws and plays in the final seconds to hold on for the win.
Michigan State will get the rest of the week off before traveling to Hawaii to play in the Maui Invitational, starting on Monday vs. Colorado.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball barely survives vs Samford with 83-75 win
