Associated Press
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Tom Izzo isn't ready to say that Michigan State is in a great position to make the NCAA tournament.
Izzo did admit that the Spartans 74-55 win over Minnesota on Thursday helped.
"This was a step in the right direction, I don't think there's any question," Izzo said. "We played a team that is in the same situation we're in. Winning games like this is big, and important.
"I don't think we've taken control of the situation, I think we still have to win a couple more games."
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Adam Ballinger had 20 points and nine rebounds and Chris Hill added 15 as the Spartans (16-10, 7-6 Big Ten) won their second in a row and five of seven. They also have four wins over ranked teams, including double-digit victories over No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 14 Arizona.
The Gophers (14-10, 7-6) have fallen from contending for the Big Ten title to a fifth-place tie, with three consecutive losses.
Minnesota's Dusty Rychart and Kerwin Fleming scored 13 each.
Summary, standings, Page 2D
