Michigan State bounces back, routs Indiana

Bridges helps Spartans respond to adversity Olympics Roundup

EAST LANSING, Michigan, Jan 20, (AP): Miles Bridges made a 3-pointer and bounced on his toes with joy, enjoying a game he and Michigan State desperately needed.

Bridges scored 22 points to help the ninth-ranked Spartans respond to adversity with an 85-57 win over Indiana on Friday night.

The Spartans (17-3, 5-2 Big Ten) had a confidence-boosting performance after going from a top-ranked team to a reeling one. They were slumping after a 16-point loss at Ohio State, an overtime win over Rutgers and an 82-72 setback to Michigan at home.

“I was just trying to prove that we weren’t soft and that we can compete with any team,” Bridges said. “We were trying to prove a point.”

Michigan State took control with an

BASKETBALL 18-0 run midway through the first half, led by as much as 23 and was ahead 42-23 at halftime.

“We were aggressive and played our game,” Bridges said. “We had a great sense of urgency.”

Nick Ward had 18 points and 13 rebounds, Cassius Winston had 10 points, eight assists and only one turnover and Jaren Jackson had 10 points, six rebounds and three blocks and for the Spartans.

The Hoosiers (11-8, 4-3) lost for the first time in four games, falling into a fourth-place tie with the Wolverines and Nebraska.

Indiana’s Robert Johnson had 21 points and the rest of his teammates struggled offensively. Josh Newkirk scored 14, but missed 12 of 17 shots.

“If those two guys can continue to play well, I think we’ll be OK,” coach Archie Miller said.

The Hoosiers were held to 34 percent shooting.

“It wasn’t a good offensive showing and they had a lot to do with it,” Miller said.