Freshman guard Travis Trice knocked down four 3-pointers and set a career high with 20 points as host Michigan State downed pesky Central Connecticut State University, 89-69, on Wednesday.

Draymond Green added 14 points and nine rebounds, and Branden Dawson collected 11 and 11 for the Spartans (7-2), who have won seven straight since beginning the season with consecutive losses to North Carolina and Duke.

The Blue Devils made Michigan State work for it, taking an early 26-15 lead and staying within 36-34 at the half. The Spartans pulled away steadily after the break as Trice found his groove.

The 6-foot Ohio native buried a 3-pointer and hit three consecutive free throws after being fouled beyond the arc during a 9-2 run early in the second that pushed Michigan State’s lead to double digits, 49-38. His second 3-pointer of the period made it 66-51 with 8:25 left and Central Connecticut would not get it back to single digits.

One of the top rebounding teams in the country, the Spartans grabbed 19 offensive boards.

Ken Horton recorded 17 points and nine rebounds for the Blue Devils (5-3).