Keith Appling scored a game-high 24 points and Michigan State used an excellent defensive stretch in the second half to pull away from visiting Florida State 65-49 in a Big Ten-ACC Challenge matchup.

After falling behind by one, 40-39, with 11:52 remaining, the Spartans (5-2) took control by holding the Seminoles (5-3) to two points over the game’s next 7:45, building a 51-42 advantage. Appling and Draymond Green each scored five points during the prolonged 12-2 run.

Florida State severely hurt its own cause by committing 17 turnovers and relying too heavily on cold outside shooting – the Seminoles were 4-for-18 from 3-point range. Appling and Green, meanwhile, were a combined 5-for-10 from long distance.

Brandon Wood finished with 16 points and 10 boards for the Spartans, while Green added 16 points, eight rebounds, three steals and three blocked shots.

Bernard James paced Florida State with 13 points and 12 rebounds, but he was held scoreless over the final 17:57 of the second half.