No. 5 Michigan State escapes with 67-63 win over Oakland

Michigan State's Adreian Payne, top, dunks against Oakland's Duke Mondy (10), Corey Petros (42), Travis Bader (3) and Dante Williams, center, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) (The Associated Press)

Michigan State's Denzel Valentine, right, and Oakland's Dante Williams (2) collide as they chase a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) (The Associated Press)

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Keith Appling scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half and Adreian Payne had 20 points and 10 rebounds as No. 5 Michigan State held off Oakland 67-63 on Saturday.

Branden Dawson added 16 points and 13 rebounds for the shorthanded Spartans (8-1), who were rusty early and turnover-prone after a 10-day break.

Michigan State played without leading scorer Gary Harris, who is still nursing an ankle injury. The Spartans were also without big men Matt Costello (mononucleosis) and Kenny Kaminski (academic suspension).

Duke Mondy, the nation's leader in steals, had 24 points and seven swipes for the Golden Grizzlies (2-9) in their home game played at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Travis Bader has 18 points and was 4 for 14 from 3-point range, while Corey Petros added 11 points for Oakland, winless in 12 games in the series.