No. 16 Michigan State was able to hold off a late surge from Northwestern and ultimately defeat the Wildcats, 78-68, on the road, remaining unbeaten in conference play.

Michigan State had 18 assists on 27 made baskets to bedazzle Northwestern for 9th straight win; Spartans led by Jeremy Fears' 12 points, 8 assists.

Jaden Akins scored 14 points and No. 16 Michigan State extended its winning streak to nine games with a victory over Northwestern.

In the middle of that run, Michigan State found strong contributions from forward Frankie Fidler, the much maligned transfer whose slump this season has taken him from the starting five to the 10th man in the rotation. But in that run, Fidler was panacea to some early struggles the Spartans faced.

Columnist Graham Couch gives his thoughts on Michigan State's performance in a 78-68 win Sunday at Northwestern with three quick takes.

Make it nine straight wins for Michigan State basketball. The Spartans were able to hold onto a lead they carved out in the first half to take out Northwestern on the road, 78 to 68.

Jaden Akins scored 14 points, including six free throws in the final 34 seconds, and Jase Richardson added 13 points as No. 16 Michigan State earned its ninth straight win with a 78-68 Big Ten victory over Northwestern on Sunday at Evanston, Ill.

A quick turnaround on the road didn’t slow down red-hot Michigan State. The No. 16 Spartans put together a dominant first half for the second time in three days for a 78-68 win at Northwestern on Sunday afternoon.