Freshman Tim Hardaway Jr. led a balanced effort with 20 points and Michigan boosted its NCAA Tournament hopes with a 70-63 victory over Michigan State Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Wolverines (19-12, 9-9 Big Ten) took control early, grabbing an early 10-1 lead and then adding an 11-0 run later in the first half to go ahead, 33-19, with 2:25 left before the break. Michigan State got as close as two in the second half but could not complete the comeback.

Evan Smotrycz scored 14 points for Michigan, while Darius Morris added 13 points, six assists and five rebounds. The Wolverines committed just six turnovers and hit 23-of-31 free throws to offset a 46-30 rebounding deficit.

Kalin Lucas scored a game-high 25 points for the Spartans (17-13, 9-9), while Durrell Summers added 13 points and 13 rebounds.