EAST LANSING, Mich., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Keith Appling scored 25 points for newly minted No. 1 Michigan State Monday and the Spartans pulled away in the second half to defeat Portland 82-67.
Michigan State, which claimed the nation's top spot earlier Monday following a win over former No. 1 Kentucky last week, broke open a close game with a 14-4 run midway through the second half.
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Appling sank all five of his 3-point tries and Adreian Payne chipped in 19 points for the Spartans.
Gary Harris added 15 points.
Portland (1-2) was led by Kevin Bailey with 12 points.