Freshman Kalin Lucas scored a career-high 18 points, including an acrobatic layup to ignite a key first-half run, to lead No. 9 Michigan State to a 78-72 victory over No. 4 Texas on Saturday night.

The Spartans (11-1) took control of the game with a 13-0 run toward the end of the first half and didn’t let the Longhorns (11-1) back in it until the final minute.

A.J. Abrams made a flurry of 3-pointers, including one that pulled it within five points with 22 seconds left, and Texas had a chance to get closer when Lucas missed two free throws on the ensuing possession.

But Raymar Morgan blocked D.J. Augustin’s layup to essentially seal the win.

• Key First-Half Run Powers No. 9 Michigan State Past No. 4 Texas :: Lucas scores career-high 18 points to help Spartans top Longhorns.
• Lucas leads Spartans past No. 4 Texas
• MICHIGAN STATE 78, TEXAS 72: Spartans hook the ‘Horns at the Palace