Michigan State Basketball: Spartans Take Frustrations out on Purdue

The last time No. 10 Michigan State (16-4, 5-2) lost two games in a row, they went on a 15-game winning streak afterward. After losing to Northwestern in a poor defensive game, and a tough one-point loss at Michigan, the Spartans buckled down and crushed Purdue (14-6, 4-3) 83-58 on Saturday. 

Purdue's shooting resembled a middle school basketball game. The Boilermakers shot 29 percent from the field. All-star Robbie Hummel struggled the most, shooting 0-11 and finishing with two points from free throws. 

Michigan State center Derrick Nix continued his strong play down low, scoring 12 points and shooting 5-of-7 from the field. 

This was the breakout game for talented freshman Branden Dawson. The Indiana native was highly recruited out of high school between Michigan State's Tom Izzo and Purdue's Matt Painter. Dawson chose MSU, upsetting many Purdue fans. Dawson probably upset some more Purdue fans after putting on a highlight-reel type game against the Boilermakers.

Dawson had a few thunderous dunks and even found a jump shot that he hadn't used this season yet. Dawson finished with a team-high 14 points and shot 6-of-7 from the field. Near the end of the game, head coach Matt Painter and Dawson were exchanging words with each other. It wasn't a friendly "good game" either.

Painter said that Dawson was "rubbing it in."

After the game Dawson thought a lot of Painter talking back to him had a lot to do with being sore about recruiting.

"I think it all had to do with me not going there," said Dawson, "They've got a great program and Coach Painter is a great coach."

The win gives Izzo 399 wins during his career at Michigan State. 

He has a chance to get 400 when Minnesota travels to East Lansing on Wednesday night.