Tyson Walker had 19 points, including the 2,000th point of his career, and Michigan State pulled out a 53-49 win over Northwestern at East Lansing, Mich., on Wednesday evening.

Walker added five assists and five rebounds in the Spartans’ home finale. Malik Hall powered for 15 points and 17 rebounds for the Spartans (18-12 overall, 10-9 Big Ten) and Tre Holloman added 12 points.

Boo Buie led Northwestern (20-10, 11-8) with 15 points. Nick Martinelli had 12 points and eight rebounds and Brooks Barnhizer supplied 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Both teams struggled with shooting. The Spartans shot 31.7 percent while the Wildcats shot 35.3 percent.

The Wildcats held a 25-20 halftime lead. Buie made a 3-pointer to give the Wildcats their biggest lead at 17-9.

The Spartans came within a point on a Holloman 3-pointer. Barnhizer made a 3-pointer during the final minute of the half.

Michigan State opened the second half with an 11-2 run to take a four-point lead. Hall was the sparkplug, making three field goals during that span. Holloman finished it off with a bucket.

The Spartans nudged the lead to 35-29 on a Walker putback. Northwestern then reeled off a 9-2 spurt to briefly regain the advantage. Buie scored four points during that stretch.

A pair of Walker free throws tied the score at 45 apiece with 5:38 remaining.

Ryan Langborg made one free throw to give the Wildcats a one-point lead.

Holloman knocked down two free throws with 3:18 left to put Michigan State back on top.

Walker reached the 2,000-point mark with 2:30 remaining on a layup to give his club a three-point advantage. After Northwestern came up empty on its next possession, Walker made another layup.

Barnhizer then missed the front end of a one-and-one. After a Hall turnover, Langborg knocked down a 3-pointer to pull Northwestern within two points.

Walker missed a runner but Langborg couldn’t knock down a 3-point attempt. Holloman then drained two free throws to clinch Michigan State’s win.

–Field Level Media