Michigan State survives pesky Oakland to avoid upset

Brandon Dawson had 16 points and 13 rebounds, helping the No. 5 Spartans hold off Oakland for a 67-63 victory at The Palace.

Dawson took only two shots and had two turnovers in 17 minutes during Michigan State's 79-65 home loss to the Tar Heels on Dec. 4. It was a much different story against the Golden Grizzlies, with Dawson going 7 for 13 from the field and blocking three shots in 36 minutes.

Keith Appling scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half for the short-handed Spartans (8-1), who were rusty and turnover-prone after a 10-day break. Adreian Payne had 20 points and 10 rebounds.