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Michigan State overcomes delay to beat Wichita State

Nov 30, 2008 - 10:55 PM LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (Ticker) -- Michigan State was able to patch up its own play after the Milk House sprung a leak.

Chris Allen had a pair of big baskets in a second-half surge as sixth-ranked Michigan State overcame a weather delay in an unimpressive 65-57 victory over Wichita State on Sunday in the Old Spice Classic.

Playing for just fifth place after getting blown away by Maryland on Thursday, the Spartans (4-1) again were lethargic for the most part before eventually wearing down the Shockers.

A dismal start by the Spartans was made a bit more dreary after a heavy rainstorm caused a leak at the arena.

Water dripped from the ceiling ventilation system and formed puddles underneath the Michigan State basket with just under 13 minutes left in the first half and the Spartans holding a 9-7 lead.

When play finally resumed, the Spartans were sloppy on both ends of the court. A 3-pointer by Graham Hatch eventually gave the Shockers a 26-18 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the first half.

However, Michigan State turned things around with Allen nailing a long jumper and a shot from the arc in a 9-2 burst which provided a 44-37 advantage with just over 10 minutes to go. The sophomore scored all seven of his points in the second half.

Marquise Gray added 12 points, Durrell Summers 11 and Kalin Lucas 10 for the Spartans, who went just 3-of-15 from the arc and made 18-of-31 free throws.

"We'll shoot seven hundred million free throws tomorrow," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "I'm going to stop at Disney on the way home, see if my dream of hitting 80 (percent) can come true."

Izzo and the Spartans have an even bigger challenge when they face top-ranked North Carolina.

"Are we ready for them? I don't think there are four or five teams in the country ready for them," Izzo said.

After the Shockers closed to 52-47, Lucas answered with a three-point play as the Spartans took control for good with under five minutes left.

Clevin Hannah scored 19 points to lead Wichita State (3-3), which shot 39 percent (19-of-49) and was outrebounded, 35-21.