Freshman Keith Appling scored 19 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer and two key free throws, as Michigan State rallied to beat Northwestern 71-67 in overtime Saturday.
Kalin Lucas added 18 points and Draymond Green had 16 for the Spartans (12-5, 4-1 Big Ten), who needed an extra five minutes to win for the second time this week.
Drew Crawford scored 16 points and Michael Thompson 15 for the Wildcats (11-5, 2-4), who led by eight late in the first half and by three early in overtime.
Northwestern's John Shurna, who was averaging 20.1 points, was held to six points and 2-for-10 shooting, thanks largely to the defense of Delvon Roe.
Michigan State trailed 23-18 at halftime but played much better after the break, just as it had in home wins over Minnesota and Wisconsin.
