EAST LANSING, MICH. – A 19-0 run to open the second half proved to be the difference as Michigan State completed an 82-56 victory over The Citadel on Monday evening at the Breslin Center.

The Spartans (9-4), leading by six entering the second half, used six points by Marvin Clark Jr. and five by Bryn Forbes over a 6:30 stretch to distance themselves from the Dogs 51-26. The Citadel (4-7) got its first points on a free throw by Tim Broom just over 20 seconds later.

The combination of solid defense and consistency in its mid-range shooting allowed Michigan State to eventually extend the lead to 61-28. It was there that P.J. Horgan hit The Citadel's first field goal of the second half at the 8:48 mark.

Horgan tacked on two free throws and a jumper from the right elbow as he reached double figures for the ninth time this season.

The Dogs got the margin to under 30 points in the waning stages of the contest, behind a series of 3-pointers by Jake Wright and Brandon Thompson. It marked the first collegiate 3-pointer of Thompson's career.

Four players reached double figures in scoring for the Spartans including Denzel Valentine (18), Alvin Ellis III (13), Clark (12) and Gavin Schilling (11). Valentine knocked down 8-of-11 from the field, including two from long range, and was one of three starters with at least five field goals alongside Clark (5-8) and Schilling (5-6).

The Spartans' offense was orchestrated by Travis Trice's 11 assists, while Clark and Valentine controlled the paint with six rebounds apiece.

Michigan State capped off the contest by hitting 32-of-53 (60.4%), converting 17-of-25 (68%) from the floor in the second half. They also held a 44-16 advantage in points in the paint and a 30-3 edge in fast break points.

The Citadel was led on offense by the tandem of Horgan (19 points) and Ashton Moore (15). Horgan was effective in the paint for the Dogs as he hit 7-of-10 from the floor and was a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line. He also hauled in a team-high five rebounds (four defensive).

Moore proved to be the scoring threat from the perimeter as he hit 5-of-11 from the floor and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. He shared the team-high in assists (three) with teammates Quinton Marshall and Warren Sledge.

Despite a difficult shooting second half, The Citadel closed the game 20-of-48 (41.7%) from the field and 8-of-21 (38.1%) from 3-point range.

The Citadel closed out the opening frame by hitting 10-of-23 (43.5%) from the field and 4-of-9 (44.4%) from beyond the arc.

Michigan State held a six-point lead at the break due in large part to a 22-6 advantage in points in the paint. The Spartans capitalized on the play of Trice (nine points) and Valentine (seven), who knocked down the lone 3-pointer for Michigan State with nine seconds remaining.

The two teams reached a five-all deadlock early in the contest after a Warren Sledge 3-pointer coupled with a C.J. Bray layup gave The Citadel its first two scores.

Michigan State answered the challenge with a 12-5 run over the next 3:56, highlighted by six points from Matt Costello and a dunk from Schilling, to assume a 17-10 advantage. 

The Bulldogs retaliated with a 3-pointer off the hand of Moore and a tip-in from Bray, following a missed 3-point attempt by Sledge, as the margin was sliced to four.

Solid defense coupled with a jumper by Horgan and a 3-pointer off the hand of Moore drew the Bulldogs to within 21-20 with 7:49 left.

Free throws by Horgan followed by a turnaround jumper by Quinton Marshall allowed the Dogs to regain the lead, 24-23, with just over four minutes remaining. However, Michigan State used five points by Valentin to close out the half on an 8-2 run.

When the Dogs return home, on Tuesday, Dec. 30, prior to game with Bethune-Cookman on the cheerleading squad will host a free Cheer Clinic. The clinic is open to children ages 6-12 and will take place at McAlister Field House from 5-6:30 p.m. For more information or to enroll in the clinic, visit citadelsports.com.