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Allen, Michigan State blast Alcorn State

Dec 14, 2008 - 3:58 AM EAST LANSING, Michigan (Ticker) -- Chris Allen scored 20 points to lead five players in double figures as 20th-ranked Michigan State routed Alcorn State, 118-60, on Saturday.

Kalin Lucas had 16 points and Raymar Morgan and Delvon Roe scored 13 apiece as the Spartans collected the second-most points in school history.

Michigan State (6-2) scored 60 points in the first half on 71 percent shooting (22-of-31) to open a 34-point lead at the break.

"We needed a game where we could play some of our guys, and not at his [Larry Smith's] expense, but we just needed a game to get this team on track," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "We're not kidding ourselves, we know it was a tough trip for Alcorn State, but we still need to make shots."

It was a dominating performance from start to finish for the Spartans, who had all 15 players score and held a 48-18 advantage on the glass.

Lucas scored 13 points in the opening half while Morgan and Allen added 12 and 11, respectively, as the Spartans limited the Braves to 26 first-half points.

"It was a nightmare playing them," Alcorn State coach Larry Smith said. "State is a very good team and they came out and played very well. They did whatever they wanted to do and made shots, rebounded the basketball and they were very athletic. We were just unable to control them through the entire game."

Korie Lucious registered seven of the Spartans' 35 assists, with Lucas also dishing out eight.

"If I had to pick one topic that I'm most proud of today, it's 35 assists out of 44 baskets," Izzo said. "I thought our point guards, like Kalin (Lucas) did a great job distributing early, and Korie (Lucious) came in and did a pretty good job. Chris Allen, who has been playing better, maybe played his best game. Delvon's starting to play a little bit better after a slow start today."

Draymond Green scored 10 points off the bench for Michigan State, which got 66 points from its reserves.

Troy Jackson had 15 points and six boards for Alcorn State (2-7). Jonathan Boyd and Anthony Ford each added 12 points.

"I think that is great exposure for us and it gives our kids a look at how a big-time program operates," Smith said. "It is really fun for them and they enjoy it. Hopefully we will get an opportunity to come back here."