EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Keith Appling matched a career high with 25 points to help No. 1 Michigan State pull away to beat Portland 82-67 on Monday night in its first game as a top-ranked team in 13 years.

The Spartans (4-0) struggled in the first half, leading by four points after seven lead changes and three ties.

Travis Trice’s 3-pointer broke a tie with 12:26 left and he followed that up seconds later with a steal and layup. Gary Harris made a 3- pionter — the team’s 11th from behind the arc — midway through the second half that put Michigan State ahead by 10 points for the first time.

Kevin Bailey had 12 points for the Pilots (1-2), who had a balanced offense and were pesky on defense and on the boards.

Adreian Payne scored 19 points and Harris had 15 for the Spartans.

Comments are not available on this story.