Michigan State fell behind by nine points in the second half and cut the Northwestern lead to one in the final minute but could not get closer as the Spartans lost their Big Ten Conference opener, 70-63, at the Breslin Center on Sunday night.
Junior guard A.J. Hoggard came off the bench and led the way with 12 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while junior forward Mady Sissoko scored 12 points, had two rebounds three blocks and graduate forward Joey Hauser added 10 points and eight rebounds.