It Isn’t Easy, but Spartans Manage to Extend Streaks

Michigan State extended its streaks, barely.

Andre Hutson’s layup with 26.4 seconds left gave the No. 2 Spartans a 46-45 victory over Kentucky Saturday.

Michigan State (8-0) extended the nation’s longest winning streaks to 19 games overall and 35 games at the Breslin Center.

Hutson, who missed a game-winning attempt in last year’s 60-58 loss at Kentucky, scored 16 points. Tayshaun Prince led Kentucky with 16 points and Keith Bogans had 15.

The Wildcats (3-5), off to their worst start in 12 years, have lost their five games by a total of 14 points.

On Michigan State’s game-winning play, Charlie Bell attracted two defenders when he went up for a shot. He then dropped a pass to Hutson in the lane.

Bogans missed a five-foot shot with five seconds.

Prince made a three-point play and a three-point shot, giving the Wildcats a 45-44 lead with 2:56 left. It was their first lead since Michigan State opened the second half with 13 consecutive points.

The Spartans did not lead until Marcus Taylor scored consecutive baskets midway through the first half. Kentucky got the lead back and led, 27-18, at halftime.

Michigan State had trouble with Kentucky’s zone in the first half and was forced to take a number of difficult shots when the shot clock was about to expire. The Spartans made only 21.4% of their shots and missed 15 of their last 16 attempts.