Michigan State's Derrick Nix, left, and Texas' Connor Lammert compete for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) (The Associated Press)
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Derrick Nix had 25 points and 11 rebounds to help No. 20 Michigan State surged past Texas 67-56 Saturday afternoon.
Nix was 7-for-10 from the field and 11-for-13 at the line, a major improvement for a 64.9-percent foul shooter.
Keith Appling had 14 points and Adreian Payne added 13 for the Spartans (11-2), who stayed perfect in six December games.
Julien Lewis scored 16 points and Sheldon McClellan had 13 for the Longhorns (7-5), who couldn't match the efficiency of their 85-67 win over North Carolina Wednesday night.
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