COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Michigan tops Michigan State, 80-75

1/25/2014

EAST LANSING, Mich. — It was a once-in-a-century showdown, with a result almost as rare.

In the first-ever game between two Big Ten teams with perfect conference records this deep into the season, the Michigan basketball team swiped early control of the league race while striding onto uncharted hardwood with an 80-75 win at third-ranked Michigan State.

The No. 21 Wolverines (15-4, 7-0 Big Ten) vanquished a third straight top-10 opponent with a clutch stretch run. Down 60-58 with 4 minutes remaining, Michigan answered with an 8-0 run — punctuated by a traditional three-point play by freshman guard Derrick Walton Jr.

Nik Stauskas and Walton each had 19 points to lead UM, which is off to its best conference start since 1977 and in sole possession of first place in the Big Ten.

Gary Harris led undermanned Michigan State (18-2, 7-1) with 27 points.