EAST LANSING, Mich. — Aaron Henry had 20 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, helping No. 23 Michigan State pull away to beat No. 15 Rutgers 68-45 on Tuesday night.
The Spartans (8-3, 2-3 Big Ten) had a 17-point scoring edge in the second half to win a second straight game after opening conference play with three straight losses.
The Scarlet Knights (7-3, 3-3) made just 31 percent of their shots. They started 0 of 7 at the foul line and finished making just 3 of 12 free throws.
Ron Harper Jr. had 13 points and Jacob Young scored 11 for Rutgers.
Henry helped Michigan State overcome a season-high 18 turnovers, contributing four giveaways himself. He also made desperately needed shots, connecting on 8 of 13 from the field while the rest of the team struggled to score until a late offensive surge.
Reserve Rocket Watts and Joshua Langford each scored 11 points for the Spartans, who led by just six points at halftime.
Rutgers center Myles Johnson, who had two points and seven rebounds, appeared to hurt his left leg late in the game. The Scarlet Knights were already without center Clifford Omoruyi, who has been out with a knee injury since a win over No. 13 Illinois two weeks ago.
