EAST LANSING, Mich. — This time the big game lived up to the hype.
No.1 Indiana topped No. 5 Michigan State 72-68 to give the Hoosiers a one-game lead over the Spartans in the Big Ten standings with each team having four games left.
Victor Oladipo scored the final six points for the Hooisers that started with a putback tip-in with a little over 40 seconds left to put Indiana up for good. MSU was led by Gary Harris who had 19, but missed a chance to tie the game late.
With Indiana up three, Harris was fouled while attempting a three-point shot with less than four seconds left. Harris would miss the first free throw though. After making the second free throw, Harris intentionally missed the third free throw but Indiana came up with the rebound.
Oladipo led the Hoosiers 19 points and 9 rebounds. Adreian Payne added 17 points and 7 rebounds for Michigan State.
With the win, Indiana (24-3) improves to 12-2 in the Big Ten while Michigan State (22-5) is now 11-3.
